. 


UUi>b 


LETTERS  AND  MEMORANDA 


OF 


Elwood  Dean. 


Published  by  direction  of  the  Meeting  for 

Sufferings  of 
Ohio    Yearly    Meeting 


19O9 


MINUTE 

AT  a  meeting  for  Sufferings  of  Ohio 
Yearly  Meeting,  Held  Ninth  Month,  24th,  1909. 

The  Committee  entrusted  with  the  care  of 
the  letters  and  memoranda  of  our  late  friend, 
Elwood  Dean,  were  now  directed  to  have  them 
printed  and  deposited  with  the  Book  Commit- 
tee for  distribution. 

Taken  from  the  minutes. 

WILLIAM  L.  ASHTON,  Clerk 


ELWOOD  DEAN 

Although  there  are  many  narratives  of  the 
lives  and  labors  of  departed  worthies,  for  the 
encouragement  of  those  who  are  endeavoring 
to  walk  in  the  straight  and  narrow  way,  the 
hope  has  arisen  that  some  account  of  the  up- 
right life  of  our  late  friend,  Elwood  Dean,  and 
his  obedience  to  manifest  duty,  might  stimu- 
late others  to  persevere  in  the  work  of  right- 
eousness. 

The  books  containing  the  early  records  of 
Elwood  Dean's  family  having  been  destroyed 
by  fire,  there  seems  to  be  but  few  dates  and 
facts  relative  to  his  early  history  obtainable, 
and  such  was  the  low  esteem  with  which  he 
regarded  himself,  that  he  left  no  record  of  his 
long  and  useful  life,  except  that  contained  in 
letters,  most  of  which  were  written  while  on 
religious  visits.  An  attempt  has  been  made  to 
collect  a  part  of  this  correspondence,  and 
some  of  the  memoranda  that  have  been  pre- 
served concerning  him,  to  which  is  added  let- 
ters of  concerned  friends  addressed  to  him. 

He  was  born  Sixth  Month  llth,  1816,  being 
the  seventh  in  a  family  of  nine  children  born 
to  Jonathan  R.  and  Hannah  Tuthill  Dean. 
His  parents  were  members  of  the  Society  of 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


Friends,  and  Elwood  was  reared  under  that 
influence.  At  the  setting  up  of  Plymouth 
Monthly  Meeting,  in  Washington  County, 
Ohio,  in  1850,  he  and  his  wife  Elizabeth  ap- 
pear as  members  of  that  meeting.  Four  years 
later  she  was  appointed  to  the  station  of  Elder, 
and  in  Seventh  Month,  1855,  Elwood  was  ac- 
knowledged as  a  Minister  by  the  Monthly 
Meeting.  For  more  than  thirty-five  years  he 
was  enabled  through  Divine  mercy  to  pro- 
claim the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel.  During 
almost  this  entire  period,  the  Society  was  dis- 
turbed by  those  seeking  to  introduce  a  modi- 
fied Quakerism.  Given  a  clear  insight  into 
these  things  Elwood  strove,  as  ability  was 
given  him,  to  incite  his  Friends  to  faithfulness 
to  ancient  principles,  being  willing  to  leave 
his  home  many  times  to  visit  his  brethren  in 
different  parts  of  the  country,  spending  and 
being  spent  in  that  service,  the  reward  of 
which  is  peace. 

He  obtained  his  first  minute  for  religious 
service  in  Twelfth  Month,  1857,  liberating  him 
to  attend  some  of  the  Quarterly  Meetings  be- 
longing to  Ohio  Yearly  Meeting.  After  this 
he  was  similarly  engaged  at  various  times,  but 
until  the  year,  1875,  there  is  no  connected 
record.  In  the  Eleventh  Month  of  that  year 
he  was  again  liberated,  "  To  visit  all  the  meet- 
ings belonging  to  Ohio  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
to  appoint  some  meetings  amongst  those  not 
of  our  Society." 

On  setting  out  on  this  journey,  accom- 
panied by  his  wife,  Elizabeth,  the  following 


ELWOOD  DEAN  5 

memoranda  appear  in  her  handwriting: 

"Twelfth  Month  26th.— To-day  we  attend- 
ed our  own  meeting.  D.  and  H.  Mott  were 
there.  Soon  after  the  meeting  was  settled,  H. 
appeared  in  a  lively  testimony,  exhorting  us 
to  more  earnestness  and  diligence  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure.  My  dear  Elwood 
followed,  saying  that,  although  he  felt  himself 
a  child,  comparatively  speaking,  in  religious 
experience,  he  could  adopt  the  language  of 
one  formerly,  who  said  that  he  had  gone 
amongst  them  preaching  the  Gospel  according 
to  his  measure  for  nearly  thirty  years.  He 
had  coveted  no  man's  silver  or  gold  or  ap- 
parel— '  Yea,  ye  yourselves  know  that  these 
hands  have  ministered  unto  my  necessities,' 
and  to  those  that  were  dependent  upon  me, 
and  I  have  sought  not  yours  but  you,  adding, 
that  now  he  felt  that  he  was  going  to  be  separ- 
ated from  them  in  person,  but  not  in  spirit, 
then  quoted  the  language :  '  For  Zion's  sake 
will  I  not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's 
sake  I  will  not  rest  until  the  righteousness 
thereof  go  forth  as  brightness,  and  the  salva- 
tion thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burneth.'  He  said 
he  would  be  willing  to  go  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth  to  publish  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gospel. 
D.  M.  then  appeared  in  solemn  supplication. 
It  was  a  remarkably  favored  meeting,  for 
which  I  trust  we  felt  truly  thankful  not  ex- 
pecting soon  to  have  another  opportunity  of 
mingling  with  our  home  friends. 

"  29th.  —  Attended      Pennsville      meeting 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


which  proved  a  very  relieving  season  to  my 
dear  Elwood.  A  part  of  what  he  said  was  as 
follows :  '  Woe  to  them  that  are  at  ease  in 
Zion,  and  trust  in  the  mountain  of  Samaria, 
resting  in  carnal  security  in  an  empty  profes- 
sion of  religion.  The  good  seed  has  been  sown 
in  every  heart,  yet  the  cares  of  this  world,  the 
deceitfulness  of  riches  and  the  lust  of  other 
things,  entering  in,  choke  the  word  so  that 
fruit  is  not  brought  to  perfection.'  A  search- 
ing testimony  then  followed  to  those  who  are 
buried  in  the  earth,  trusting  in  a  name  to  live, 
whilst  they  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins, 
carelessly  floating  along  the  stream  of  time, 
and  if  they  did  not  become  aroused  to  a  sense 
of  danger  would  be  lost.  All  were  exhorted  to 
consider  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  time 
and  to  double  their  diligence  to  make  their 
calling  and  election  sure,  before  being  called 
hence  to  be  seen  of  men  no  more. 

"  30th. — Attended  Hopewell  meeting,  pub- 
lic notice  having  been  given.  The  meeting 
was  silent,  and  afterwards  D.  H.  said  he  was 
glad  we  had  been  with  them,  as  it  would  settle 
a  matter  that  had  been  in  dispute,  some  hav- 
ing said  that  '  Elwood  Dean  could  preach 
whenever  he  pleased '  and  added,  he  did  not 
wonder  the  Master  gave  him  nothing  to  say. 

"Fifth  Month  21st,  1876.— This  morning 
we  were  a  little  refreshed  by  the  evidence  be- 
ing renewed  that  we  were  not  forsaken,  but 
are  still  under  the  watchful  care  and  protec- 
tion of  the  unslumbering  Shepherd  of  Israel. 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


After  a  chapter  was  read,  E.  remarked  that  it 
was  a  practice  he  always  rejoiced  to  find  in 
any  family,  that  of  sitting  down  at  least  once 
in  the  day  to  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible;  to 
have  our  minds  retired  before  the  Lord,  that 
our  spiritual  strength  may  be  renewed  and 
that  we  may  journey  forward  toward  the  land 
of  rest  and  peace.  He  said  he  was  not  a  man 
of  war,  but  a  man  of  peace,  and  lived  as  such 
amongst  his  neighbors.  He  never  had  a  law- 
suit and  never  had  an  arbitration  or  trouble  in 
that  way,  but  in  the  year,  1847,  was  brought 
low  by  sickness,  near  to  the  gates  of  death, 
and  when  brought  face  to  face  with  eternity 
saw  that  it  was  an  awful  thing  to  die,  and  to 
be  launched  into  eternity,  prepared  or  unpre- 
pared. He  was  then  made  willing  to  enter 
into  covenant  with  the  Lord,  to  serve  Him 
and  obey  Him  and  endeavor  to  do  His  will, 
if  He  would  be  pleased  to  spare  him  a  little 
longer  here  below.  Since  that  time  he  had 
endeavored  to  keep  this  covenant,  and  to  walk 
in  His  counsel  in  the  main,  yet,  at  times, 
through  disobedience  to  manifest  duty,  he  had 
been  brought  into  deep  suffering,  and  had 
thereby  learned  obedience,  regardless  of  the 
opinions  of  men ;  for,  saith  the  Apostle,  '  If  I 
yet  pleased  men,  I  should  not  be  the  servant 
of  Christ.' 

"  Sixth  Month  14th.— Attended  Coal  Creek 
meeting,  wherein  E.  was  favored  to  speak  re- 
lievingly  to  his  own  mind,  commencing  with 
the  text,  'Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 
go;  and  when  he  is  old,  he  will  not  depart 


8 ELWOOD  DEAN 

from  it.'  He  then  proceeded  to  set  forth  the 
necessity  of  parents  themselves  coming  under 
the  leavening  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
their  own  minds,  whereby  they  would  be  en- 
abled to  train  up  the  dear  childen  in  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  believing 
that  if  parents  were  thus  concerned,  they 
would  feel  it  a  duty  to  collect  their  families  at 
least  once  in  the  day,  and  read  a  portion  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  with  their  minds  retired 
before  the  Lord,  and  as  they  were  concerned 
to  dwell  low  and  humble  before  Him,  they 
would  at  times  be  enabled  to  hand  forth  a 
word  of  counsel  or  encouragement  to  the  dear 
children.  And  in  order  that  the  children 
should  be  trained  up  in  the  right  way,  he 
looked  upon  it  as  a  matter  of  importance  that 
Friends  should  keep  up  their  own  schools  un- 
der the  care  of  religiously  concerned  teachers 
and  committees,  whereby  the  children  might 
receive  a  guarded  education  which  could  not 
be  expected  in  the  public  schools.  This  con- 
cern had  its  rise  at  an  early  period  of  the  So- 
ciety, and  was  one  that  he  had  felt  a  deep  in- 
terest in.  He  had  attended  all  the  meetings 
within  the  limits  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
wherever  this  concern  prevailed  there  were 
hopeful  young  people  growing  up,  and  he 
much  desired  that  Friends  would  not  pass 
lightly  over  these  things. 

"  30th,  First  Day. — The  meeting  was  large, 
the  house  being  well  filled.  E.  brought  to 
view  the  language  of  the  Holy  Redeemer, 
where  he  said,  '  The  kingdom  of  Heaven  is 
like  unto  leaven,  which  a  woman  took,  and  hid 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


in  three  measures  of  meal,  till  the  whole  was 
leavened.'  Thus  it  is  with  the  measure  of  Di- 
vine grace  given  to  each  and  every  individual 
to  profit  withal.  When  this  is  allowed  to  have 
its  full  place,  and  perfect  work  in  the  heart,  it 
entirely  changes  our  nature,  as  the  leaven 
does  the  meal,  and  brings  forth  the  new  birth 
unto  righteousness,  without  which  no  man 
can  see  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  of  course 
cannot  be  saved.  But  as  we  submit  to  this 
transforming  power  we  become  changed  from 
a  state  of  nature  to  a  state  of  grace;  from 
hardness  and  depravity  of  heart,  to  tenderness 
and  contrition;  from  the  state  of  the  ravening 
wolf  or  the  destroying  lion,  to  that  of  the 
little  child;  from  that  of  the  law  to  that  of 
the  Gospel;  from  that  of  loving  our  neighbor 
and  hating  our  enemy,  to  that  of  loving  even 
our  enemies  according  to  the  doctrine  of 
Christ,  who  said,  '  Love  your  enemies,  bless 
them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that 
hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully 
use  you  and  persecute  you;  that  ye  may  be 
the  children  of  your  Father  which  is  in 
Heaven;  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the 
evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the 
just  and  on  the  unjust.'  This  leads  us  to  be 
kind  one  unto  another,  tender  hearted,  loving 
one  another  and  forgiving  one  another  even 
as  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  hath  forgiven  us. 
'  Be  ye  therefore  followers  of  God,  as  dear 
children ;  and  walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath 
loved  us,  and  hath  given  Himself  for  us.' 


10  ELWOOD  DEAN 

Now,  my  beloved  young  Friends,  although 
you  may  have  formed  good  resolutions,  and 
entered  into  covenant  again  and  again,  and 
still  have  broken  them,  yet  I  have  felt  the 
desire  for  you  that  you  might  lift  up  your 
heads  in  hope  and  let  the  times  past  suffice 
and  seek  to  renew  your  covenants  with  your 
Heavenly  Father,  for  we  have  a  merciful  High 
Priest,  who  was  touched  with  a  feeling  of 
our  infirmities,  being  tempted  in  all  points  as 
we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

"  Attended  meeting,  of  good  size,  but 

much  departed  from  the  plainness  and  sim- 
plicity of  our  holy  profession,  and  gone  into 
the  fashions,  customs  and  ways  of  the  world; 
no  doubt  the  result  of  the  spread  of  unsound 
doctrines,  and  the  letting  in  of  a  worldly 
spirit  which  seems  to  be  laying  waste  the  tes- 
timonies of  Truth  as  held  by  our  ancient 
worthies.  We  met  with  some  in  all  the  meet- 
ings we  attended  who  seem  like  right-spirited 
Friends;  who  expressed  their  satisfaction 
with  our  being  among  them,  and  seemed  to 
regret  the  state  of  things,  speaking  freely  of 
the  many  departures  from  our  principles  and 

practices. 

"  29th. — In  a  family  collection  Elwood  was 

much  favored  in  testimony  and  supplication. 
He  brought  to  view  his  long  sojourn  amongst 
them,  and  that  he  had  been  with  them  in 
weakness  and  in  fear,  and  in  much  trembling. 
He  said  that  his  speech  had  not  been  with  the 
enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  he  be- 
lieved he  had  been  enabled  to  declare  unto 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


them  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  as  it  had  been 
manifested  unto  him,  and  that  he  felt  peace 
of  mind  in  having  thus  discharged  his  duty. 

"  21st.  —  Started  for  our  home  in  Ohio  with 
easy  minds  and,  I  trust,  thankful  hearts,  that 
we  had  been  favored  to  accomplish  what  our 
Divine  Master  required,  and  that  He  had 
been  pleased  to  be  with  us  and  enable  us  to 
perform  His  will,  and  we  felt  that  we  could 
adopt  the  language,  '  The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad.' 

"  Tenth  Month  3rd.—  After  attending  Ohio 
Yearly  Meeting  we  came  to  our  own  home, 
where  we  found  things  in  such  order  as  might 
be  expected  after  an  absence  of  nine  months. 
We  have  passed  through  much  conflict  and 
exercise  of  mind  and  feel  it  to  be  cause  for 
rejoicing  that  we  have  been  permitted  to  re- 
turn home  at  last.  Indeed,  we  were  detained 
much  longer  than  we  had  expected,  but  we 
can  in  truth  say  it  was  not  in  pursuit  of  tem- 
poral gratification,  for  of  this  we  partook  very 
little  during  our  absence.  It  was  in  religious 
engagements,  and  often  in  deep  exercise  and 
close  trial  of  spirit  to  my  dear  E.  even  to  the 
affecting  of  his  health  and  strength,  that  our 
time  was  filled  up.  Nevertheless  we  may  ac- 
knowledge that  it  is  to  our  interest  as  well 
as  our  duty  to  be  at  the  Divine  disposal,  and 
although  this  journey  cost  us  much  in  every 
way  we  find  the  retrospect  produces  peace  of 
mind,  which  is  worth  obtaining,  at  whatever 
cost." 

The  following  is  an  Address  to  New  Gar- 


12  EL  WOOD  DEAN 

den  Monthly  Meeting,  written  near  this  time: 
"Dear  Friends: — My  mind  has  often  been 
turned  towards  you  with  feelings  of  love,  and 
desires  for  your  encouragement  and  preserva- 
tion, and  growth  in  the  truih.  I  have  remem- 
bered the  trials  and  afflictions  you  are  brought 
into  by  the  intrusion  of  those  who  have  separ- 
ated from  you,  which  seemed  long  continued 
and  from  which  you  are  now  delivered.  In 
the  consideration  of  these  things,  the  language 
of  one  formerly  has  been  brought  to  the  view 
of  my  mind :  '  They  got  not  the  land  in  pos- 
session by  their  own  sword,  neither  did  their 
own  arm  save  them,'  and  I  believe  we  might 
add,  it  was  the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvelous 
in  our  eyes,  that  you  were  delivered  from  the 
trials  you  were  under,  and  in  the  manner  you 
were.  All  the  praise  should  be  given  to  Him 
to  whom  it  is  due,  and  our  faithfulness  should 
be  manifested  by  endeavoring  diligently  to 
serve  Him.  Neither  is  it  because  of  our  righte- 
ousness, but  of  His  abundant  mercies  and  be- 
cause His  love  is  still  extended  towards  our 
Society,  as  the  descendants  of  a  faithful  and 
worthy  people  who  were,  by  a  mighty  hand 
and  an  outstretched  arm,  gathered,  in  the  be- 
ginning, to  stand  as  witnesses  for  the  ever 
blessed  Truth;  as  witnesses  to  the  spiritual 
nature  of  the  Gospel  dispensation.  While  they 
stood  faithful  the  Divine  blessing  rested  richly 
upon  them,  and  now,  dear  Friends,  we  are  all 
deeply  concerned  in  the  matter.  The  welfare 
of  our  own  souls,  and  of  our  beloved  Society, 


ELWOOD  DEAN  13 

and  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness  in  the  earth,  depends  upon  our 
faithfulness  and  our  obedience  to  the  Divine 
will  and  requiring :  and  if  we  prove  unfaithful 
others  may  be  called  in,  as  from  the  highways 
and  hedges,  to  take  our  places  and  to  wear 
our  crowns. 

"  So  let  us  all  be  livingly  concerned  to  be 
found  walking  in  the  Divine  counsel,  filling  up 
our  measure  of  suffering  and  of  service,  not 
only  for  the  purification  of  our  own  souls  but 
for  the  body's  sake  which  is  the  Church;  not 
sitting  at  ease  in  our  ceiled  houses  while  the 
Lord's  house  lies  waste,  nor  looking  to  others 
to  do  our  work,  but  be  diligently  engaged  to 
build  first  over  against  our  own  houses,  then 
we  should  be  instructed  how  to  proceed  fur- 
ther in  the  work.  Each  one  would  be  in- 
structed by  the  great  Master  Builder  in  the 
portion  of  work  required  of  him.  The  lan- 
guage sometimes  arises,  '  Our  holy  and  our 
beautiful  house,  where  our  fathers'  praised 
Thee  is  burned  up  with  fire,  and  all  our  pleas- 
ant things  are  laid  waste.'  This  may,  in  some 
measure,  apply  to  our  religious  Society,  fa- 
vored as  it  was  in  its  earlier  days.  And  I  be- 
lieve the  Lord's  mercies  are  over  all  his  works, 
and  that  he  is  still  watching  over  us  for  good, 
still  waiting  to  be  gracious  unto  us,  and  if  we, 
as  individuals,  are  faithful  unto  Him,  He  will, 
in  His  abundant  mercy,  enable  us  to  lay  aside 
every  weight  and  the  sin  that  doth  so  easily 
beset  us,  and  to  run  with  patience  the  race  that 
is  set  before  us;  and  also  will  enable  the 


14 ELWOOD  DEAN 

Church  to  arise  and  shake  herself  from  the 
dust  of  the  earth,  and  to  put  on  her  beautiful 
garments,  even  the  garments  of  salvation,  and 
come  forth  from  the  wilderness  leaning  upon 
the  arm  of  her  Beloved,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear 
as  the  sun,  and  terrible  to  the  man  of  sin,  as 
an  army  with  banners. 

"  I  have  also  felt  a  salutation  of  love  to 
flow  towards  the  dear  young  people,  fully  be- 
lieving there  are  those  amongst  them  on  whom 
the  Lord,  in  His  mercy,  has  laid  His  hand,  and 
who  are  sensible  of  the  visitation  of  Heavenly 
love  to  their  souls,  calling  them  away  from  the 
vanities  and  follies  of  this  fading  world,  to 
seek  after  durable  riches  and  righteousness. 
Oh !  that  you  might  be  prevailed  upon  to  close 
in  with  the  offers  of  redeeming  love  and  mercy, 
in  this  your  day  of  visitation,  remembering 
your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your  youth,  'While 
the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw 
nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure 
in  them.'  If  the  day  of  our  visitation  is  neg- 
lected, our  hearts  will  become  more  and  more 
hardened  in  sin  until  the  things  that  belong 
to  our  peace  will  be  hidden  from  our  eyes,  but 
if  you  embrace  the  offers  of  Heavenly  love  and 
walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  you  will  find  it  to 
be  a  fountain  of  life  which  will  preserve  from 
the  snares  of  death.  It  is  said  also  that,  '  The 
fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom, 
and  to  depart  from  evil,  is  understanding.'  '  I 
love  them  that  love  me;  and  those  that 
seek  me  early  shall  find  me.  Riches  and 
honor  are  with  me;,  yea,  durable  riches 


ELWOOD  DEAN  15 

and  righteousness.  My  fruit  is  better  than 
gold,  yea,  than  fine  gold ;  and  my  revenue  than 
choice  silver.  I  lead  in  the  way  of  righteous- 
ness, in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgment; 
that  I  may  cause  those  that  love  me  to  inherit 
substance ;  and  I  will  fill  their  treasuries.  The 
Lord  possessed  me  in  the  beginning  of  His 
way,  before  His  works  of  old.  *  *  *  And 
I  was  daily  His  delight,  rejoicing  always  be- 
fore Him:  rejoicing  in  the  habitable  part  of 
His  earth ;  and  my  delights  were  with  the  sons 
of  men.  Now,therefore,  hearken  unto  me,  O 
ye  children ;  for  blessed  are  they  that  keep  my 
ways.  Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise,  and  re- 
fuse it  not.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth 
me,  watching  daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at 
the  posts  of  my  doors.  For  whoso  findeth 
me  findeth  life,  and  shall  obtain  favor  of  the 
Lord.  But  he  that  sinneth  against  me  wrong- 
eth  his  own  soul:  all  they  that  hate  me  love 
death.'  Spiritual  death,  not  being  willing  their 
deeds  should  be  brought  to  the  light,  lest  they 
be  reproved.  But  he  that  abideth  in  this  Di- 
vine wisdom,  will  bring  all  his  deeds  to  the 
light,  that  they  may  be  made  manifest  that 
they  are  wrought  in  God. 

"Now,  my  dear  young  friends,  this  word  of 
Divine  wisdom  is  nigh  you,  in  your  mouth  and 
in  your  heart,  that  you  may  hear  it  and  do  it, 
and  as  you  are  willing  to  listen  to  its  voice, 
you  will  indeed  be  brought  to  inherit  salvation, 
and  be  made  partakers  of  the  peace  which 
passeth  the  understanding  of  the  natural  man, 
even  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give, 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


neither  can  it  take  away.  And  being  thus 
made  willing  to  take  up  your  daily  cross,  and 
live  a  self-denying  life,  taking  His  yoke  upon 
you,  and  learning  of  Him  who  is  meek  and 
lowly  of  heart,  you  will  find  rest  to  your  souls  ; 
and  to  the  renewed  nature,  His  yoke  will  be- 
come easy  and  His  burden  light.  Thus  wait- 
ing and  watching  at  wisdom's  gate,  having 
your  spiritual  senses  exercised  to  discern  both 
good  and  evil,  you  will  be  enabled  to  discern 
the  voice  of  the  true  Shepherd  from  that  of 
the  stranger  ;  and  as  obedience  keeps  pace  with 
knowledge,  you  will  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  Truth,  and  become  qualified 
to  fill  your  allotted  places  in  the  Church,  faith- 
fully bearing  the  testimonies  committed  to  us, 
and  displaying  a  banner  for  the  Truth  before 
the  world.  Oh!  that  you  may  be  faithful,  so 
that  you  may  be  found  standing  in  your  allot- 
ments at  the  end  of  the  days,  and  prepared  to 
receive  the  answer,  'Well  done,  good  and  faith- 
ful servant:  *  *  *  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord.'  '  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father, 
inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.' 

"  With  a  salutation  of  love,  I  remain  your 
friend, 

ELWOOD  DEAN. 

During  the  course  of  a  religious  visit  with- 
in the  limits  of  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting, 
in  the  year  1881,  he  writes  to  his  wife: 

"  My  minute  is  too  short.  I  shall  have  to 
write  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  for  more  liberty, 


ELWOOD  DEAN  17 

or  come  home  without  finishing  the  work. 
That  Heavenly  influence  and  Almighty  power 
has  been  with  me  in  a  remarkable  manner,  so 
that  my  strength  has  been  renewed  like  the 
eagle's.  My  health  is  better  now  than  when  I 
left  home,  and  I  feel  that  I  have  much  to  be 
thankful  for,  and  I  hope  the  same  Almighty 
power  will  be  with  thee,  to  sustain  thee. 
Truly,  I  can  say,  we  have  a  very  tender,  kind 
and  merciful  High  Priest,  who  has  been  touch- 
ed with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  who  re- 
members our  frame,  and  knows  that  we  are 
dust.  As  we  look  unto  Him,  He  will  merci- 
fully preserve  our  souls,  and  keep  us  alive  in 
famine.  I  do  not  know  any  better  way  than  to 
endeavor  to  attend  to  the  dear  Master's  busi- 
ness, and  leave  home  affairs." 

Phebe  W.  Roberts  writes: 

"  My  dear  friend,  Elizabeth  Dean : — We 
have  had  a  very  acceptable  visit  from  thy  dear 
husband  and  companion,  both  at  our  meetings 
and  our  homes,  and  knowing  the  time  must 
seem  long  since  he  left  thee,  and  being  likely 
to  remain  some  time  longer  in  these  parts,  I 
felt  it  would  be  right  to  inform  thee  that  we 
believe  he  is  in  his  place  amongst  us.  All  the 
meetings  I  have  attended  with  him  have  been 
seasons  of  renewed  favor,  wherein  the  wing 
of  Ancient  Goodness  has  been  spread  over  us, 
and  ability  given  to  labor  and  to  divide  the 
word  aright:  and  we  have  been  made  to  feel 
thankful  that  the  dear  Master  has  sent  him 
amongst  us,  and  no  doubt  his  reward  will  be 


]8 ELWOOD  DEAN 

sure,  and  them,  my  dear  friend,  will  be  support- 
ed by  the  Everlasting  Arm,  that  continues  to 
be  underneath  to  sustain  in  low  seasons,  even 
He  who  remains  to  be,  '  As  the  shadow  of  a 
great  rock  in  a  weary  land.'  *  *  *  I  am 
thankful  that  we  still  have  a  living  gospel  min- 
istry preserved  amongst  us.  *  *  ,  * 
Affectionately,  thy  friend, 

PHEBE  W.  ROBERTS." 
From  E.  H.  to  Elwood  Dean: 

"  Having  had  the  privilege,  at  different 
times,  of  hearing  from  thee  through  letters  to 
thy  dear  E.  by  which  we  learn  that  thou  hast 
been  moving  on  in  the  work  appointed  thee, 
comfortably  and  satisfactorily,  which  was 
cheering  to  hear;  I  thought  I  would  sit  down 
this  morning  and  tell  thee  that  thy  last  letter, 
particularly,  seemed  to  do  me  good,  animating, 
I  trust,  with  a  little  fresh  courage  to  cleave 
closer  and  closer  to  the  unconquered  Captain 
of  salvation.  When  we  see  those  who  have 
been  long  engaged  in  the  warfare,  with  their 
armor  closely  girt  about  them,  pressing  for- 
ward in  faith  and  patience  in  the  race  set  be- 
fore them,  evidencing  to  others  that  '  They 
have  not  followed  cunningly  devised  fables  ' 
but  a  precious  reality,  and  are  thereby  made 
partakers  of  that  hope  which  is  as  an  anchor  to 
the  soul  both  sure  and  steadfast ;  surely  this  is 
encouraging  to  others  to  enlist  under  the  ban- 
ner of  the  same  dear  Master  and  manifest 
their  allegiance  by  their  obedience  to  Him  in 


ELWOOD  DEAN  19 

all  things,  that  thus  they  may  be  enabled  to 
fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  that  they  may 
have  the  same  animating  hope  set  before  them 
at  the  end  of  the  journey,  even  eternal  life. 
*  *  *  I  am  thinking  some  about  Quarterly 
Meeting  and  if  I  should  be  favored  to  attend 
it  will  remind  me  that  I  have  gained  in 
strength  during  the  past  three  months,  and 
whether  I  attend  or  not,  I  may  gratefully  ac- 
knowledge that  such  has  been  the  case.  When 
I  reflect  a  little  on  my  long  seasons  of  affliction 
and  weakness,  and  the  circumstances  attend- 
ing them,  how  different  has  the  way  been  from 
what  the  human  understanding  would  have 
thought  expedient,  impressively  reminding, 
'  My  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts  neither 
are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith  the  Lord.' 

"  If  such  a  child  may  hand  forth  a  word 
unto  thee,  it  would  be  that  the  dear  Master 
may  enable  thee  to  accomplish  all  that  is  well 
pleasing  in  His  holy  eyesight,  and  prosper  thee 
in  the  work  whereunto  He  has  sent  thee.  '  Ye 
shall  go  out  with  joy,  and  be  led  forth  with 
peace :  the  mountains  and  the  hills  shall  break 
forth  before  you  into  singing,  and  all  the  trees 
of  the  field  shall  clap  their  hands.'  " 

The  following  extracts  are  here  inserted 
without  regard  to  due  order  of  time: 

To  J.  S.  E.— "  Alas !  what  are  the  brightest 
talents  worth  if  we  let  self  get  uppermost  in 
religious  matters,  and  do  not  humbly  abide  in 
submission  to  the  Divine  will.  Self  righteous- 
ness is  the  hardest  of  all  to  be  reached  unto 
or  convinced,  so  that  there  is  no  place  of  safety 


20 ELWOOD  DEAN 

for  us,  but  in  humbly  endeavoring  to  maintain 
the  watch  and  remembering  that  of  ourselves 
we  can  do  nothing:  that  all  our  ability  for 
every  good  word  and  work  must  be  received 
from  Him  who  is  'Strength  in  weakness,  riches 
in  poverty,  and  a  present  helper  in  the  needful 
time.'  This,  no  doubt,  all  His  humble  follow- 
ers will  find,  and  that  He  will  enable  them  to 
perform  every  work  required  of  them.  This 
I  may  say  from  a  degree  of  experience  in  my 
sojourning  in  the  West  the  past  summer,  as 
also  in  some  other  little  journeyings  since. 
Unworthy  as  I  feel  myself  to  be,  I  well  know 
all  the  praise  is  due  to  Him  whose  the  work  is, 
and  whose  the  cause  is,  and  who  gives  the 
ability;  for  we  can  only  say,  after  endeavoring 
to  do  our  duty,  'We  are  unprofitable  servants: 
we  have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do.' 
We  claim  neither  merit  nor  reward,  and  yet, 
out  of  His  bountiful  treasury  the  Master  richly 
rewards  those  who  endeavor  faithfully  to  serve 
Him." 

To  his  wife :  "  I  feel  rather  low  but  quiet 
and  peaceful,  neither  abounding  nor  suffering 
need  above  what  I  feel  able  to  bear.  I  cannot 
see  how  the  journey  may  terminate,  but  hope 
it  may  be  peaceful.  I  feel  love  flow  toward 
thee,  dear  Elizabeth,  and  to  little  Mary,  earn- 
estly desiring  your  preservation,  and  that  thy 
prayers  may  be  for  my  preservation  and  right 
getting  along,  which  feels  to  me  like  a  weighty 
matter  in  looking  to  attending  meetings  in  the 
capacity  in  which  I  am  now  traveling.  I  often 


ELWOOD  DEAN  21 

feel  ready  to  exclaim,  '  Who  is  sufficient  for 
these  things?'  Yet  I  see  no  better  way  than 
patiently  to  abide  in  my  allotment  and  humbly 
trust  in  Him  who  is  strength  in  weakness  and 
a  present  help  in  the  needful  time.  J.  has 
proved  himself  a  kind  and  sympathizing  com- 
panion and  agreeable  company.  I  believe  the 
lot  fell  in  the  right  place  for  this  journey.  I 
hope  his  dear  companion  will  be  enabled  to  get 
along  with  her  many  cares  while  he  is  absent, 
being  helped  by  Best  help.  Give  my  love  to 
her  and  her  family." 

To  the  same :  "  Today  we  expect  to  attend 
Short  Creek  Quarter,  and  not  feeling  clear  of 
Columbiana  county,  we  have  concluded  to  re- 
turn there  and  attend  a  few  more  meetings — 
that  seeming  the  way  to  peace.  I  hope  thou 
wilt  feel  resigned  and  be  supported,  although  I 
doubt  not  it  will  feel  like  a  trial  and  disappoint- 
ment. I  feel  much  for  thee  and  A.  M.,  but  see 
no  better  way  than  to  commit  you  to  the  care 
of  Israel's  Shepherd  who  neither  slumbers  nor 
sleeps.  I  have  believed  that  if  we  were  faithful 
in  endeavoring  to  follow  and  serve  Him,  He 
would  care  for  us  every  way.  *  *  *  We 
are  now  at  Asa  Branson's.  They  are  all  well 
except  Ann  Branson,  who  has  been  confined  to 
her  bed  most  of  the  time  for  the  last  six  months 
with  heart  disease,  yet  she  certainly  seems  to 
dwell  the  nearest  to  the  heavenly  kingdom  of 
any  person  I  ever  met  with.  She  seems  filled 
with  thankfulness  for  the  many  favors  and 
blessings  which  she  enjoys  and  a  song  of  praise 


22 ELWOOD  DEAN 

is  almost  constantly  in  her  mouth,  together 
with  exhortation  to  those  about  her  and  to 
many  visitors  calling  to  see  her." 

From  J.  S.  S.  to  Elwood  Dean :  "  Dear 
Friend: — Though  I  feel  very  little  if  any 
ability  for  letter  writing,  I  think  it  may  be  al- 
lowable at  least  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
thy  truly  acceptable  and  edifying  letter  of  the 
17th  inst.,  the  reading  of  which  did  some  of 
our  hearts  good  and  we  believe  it  might  have 
a  further  service  and  usefulness,  and  we  hope 
thou  dost  not  feel  uneasy  or  dissatisfied  with 
the  course  we  have  pursued  in  relation  to  it. 
Feelings  of  tenderness  and  love  were  awakened 
and  you  were  brought  near  to  us  in  spirit  with 
a  desire  for  your  encouragement  in  every  good 
work  and  word.  It  is  great  comfort  and  con- 
solation to  have  the  evidence  that  there  are 
still  preserved,  here  and  there,  up  and  down 
within  the  pale  of  our  Religious  Society  those 
who  are  of  ten.  brought  under  silent,  patient,  re- 
ligious exercise  and  travail  of  spirit,  not  only 
for  their  own  eternal  welfare,  but  for  the  spir- 
itual welfare  of  one  another,  and  the  promotion 
of  blessed  cause  of  Truth  and  Righteousness 
in  the  earth :  and  as  this  living,  harmonious  ex- 
ercise is  held  to  and  dwelt  under,  it  will,  as  I 
believe,  in  the  Lord's  own  time  avail  much, 
not  only  to  ourselves,  but  to  the  Church  of 
Christ.  I  often  crave  that  there  may  be  more 
of  this  heartfelt  religious  exercise  and  concern 
among  us  as  a  people,  for  it  seems  to  me  it 
never  was  more  important  than  now,  for  those 


ELWOOD  DEAN  23 

who  profess  to  uphold  and  promulgate  the  doc- 
trines and  testimonies  and  principles  of  our 
Religious  Society,  to  dig  deep;  to  lay  their 
foundations  low ;  to  draw  near  to  each  other  in 
spirit,  thereby  strengthening  and  encouraging 
one  another. 

"I  can  fully  and  freely  respond  to  what  thou 
sayest  upon  this  subject.  I  have  long  believed 
that  if  there  were  more  intercourse  by  writing 
or  otherwise,  we  should  understand  each  other 
better  and  love  each  other  more.  I  am  often 
made  sensible  that  we  are  surrounded  by  many 
trials,  tribulations  and  perplexities,  so  that  at 
times  our  hands  are  ready  to  hang  down,  and 
the  feeble  knees  to  smite  together  from  very 
weakness:  but  it  is  good  for  us  to  remember, 
and  to  be  brought  to  feel  the  Lord's  power  to 
be  above  every  other  power,  and  that  He  will 
never  leave  nor  forsake  those  who  put  their 
whole  trust  in  Him.  Whatever  the  trials  or 
discouragements  may  be,  as  faithfulness  and 
obedience  are  abode  in,  such  will  be  brought  to 
experience  the  Almighty  Arm  of  power  made 
bare  round  about  and  underneath  them,  streng- 
thening and  supporting  under  their  various 
trials,  so  that  they  will  be  enabled  to  adopt  this 
language :  '  As  the  mountains  are  round  about 
Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about  His 
people  from  henceforth  even  forever.'  May 
we,  my  dear  friend,  in  our  low  and  stripped 
seasons,  be  enabled  to  lay  hold  in  living  faith, 
of  the  precious  promises  recorded  in  the  Scrip- 


24  ELWOOD  DEAN 

tures  of  Truth  for  our  instruction  and  encour- 
agement. 

"There  are  many  who  go  mourning  on  their 
way  because  of  the  desolations  of  our  Zion  and 
the  signs  of  the  times.  We  truly  have  cause  to 
mourn  over  these  things,  yet  there  are  times 
and  seasons  when  we  are  enabled  to  believe 
that  the  power  of  God  is  the  same  as  ever  it 
was,  and  He  is  as  near  His  humble,  dependent, 
dedicated  children  in  the  present  day,  as  He 
has  been  in  any  age  or  generation  of  the  world. 
Let  us  then,  my  dear  friend,  under  a  fresh 
sense  of  the  Lord's  goodness,  mercy  and  al- 
mighty power,  put  on  a  little  fresh  courage  and 
strength  in  His  name,  leaving  the  things  that 
are  behind,  and  pressing  forward  toward  the 
mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord:  so  that  when  the 
trials  and  conflicts  of  time  are  drawing  to  a 
close  we  may  be  enabled,  by  the  mercy  of  God, 
through  our  Lord  and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ,  to 
adopt  the  language  of  the  Apostle  when  he 
said :  '  For  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered  and 
the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand.  I  have 
fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course, 
I  have  kept  the  faith-  Henceforth  there  is  laid 
up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness  which  the 
Lord,  the  righeteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day,  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them 
also  that  love  His  appearing.' 

"  In  much  love  to  thee  and  thine,  and  enquir- 
ing friends,  I  am  thy  friend." 

J.  S.  S.  again  writes : . "  Thy  long  looked 


ELWOOD  DEAN  25 

for  letter  arrived  on  Fifth  day,  the  31st,  which 
was  in  due  time  after  mailing.  We  some- 
times say  '  Better  late  than  never,'  and  so  it 
seems  to  me  in  this  case.  I  am  very  glad  to 
hear  from  thee,  and  trust  I  fully  appreciate 
thy  kind,  good  and  interesting  letter. .  .  I  often 
feel  it  to  be  a  great  favor,  that  time  or  distance 
does  not  prevent  our  entering  into  sympathy 
and  fellow  feeling  with  one  another  in  our 
trials,  religious  exercises,  and  the  discourage- 
ments by  which  we  may  be  surrounded  in  the 
present  day.  I  believe  it  good  for  us  to  be 
made  willing  to  bear  each  other's  burdens,  and 
so  fulfill  the  law  of  Christ.  Thou  hadst  the 
opportunity  of  seeing  and  feeling  some  of  our 
various  burdens,  when  thou  wast  here  min- 
gling with  us,  and  I  trust  thou  hast  had  no 
cause  to  regret  making  the  sacrifice  thou  didst 
in  order  to  be  with  us. 

"  The  Yearly  Meeting's  committee  is  en- 
gaged from,  time  to  time,  in  going  up  and 
down  visiting  meetings  under  a  deep  sense,  I 
trust,  of  the  great  importance  of  the  objects 
of  these  appointments.  And  under  the  feel- 
ing that  of  ourselves  we  can  do  nothing,  and 
in  view  of  the  low  state  of  things  as  to  reli- 
gious exercise  and  travail  of  spirit,  in  many 
places,  we  are  often  brought  very  low  before 
the  Lord,  with  our  hands  ready  to  hang  down 
and  our  feeble  knees  to  smite  together  from 
very  weakness.  .Notwithstanding  all  this,  and 
more  than  this,  the  Lord  is  still  round  about 
His  people,  even  as  the  mountains  are  round 


26  ELWOOD  DEAN 

about  Jerusalem.  Some  of  the  committee  are 
at  times  enabled  to  preach  the  way  of  life  and 
salvation,  by  and  through  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
vior, Jesus  Christ,  we  trust,  in  good  authority. 
But  how  often  are  we  made  sensible  that  Paul 
may  plant,  and  Apollos  water,  but  it  is  God 
alone  can  give  the  increase. 

"  If  it  could  be  done  upon  the  right 
ground,  in  the  unity  and  fellowship  of  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ,  I  would  rejoice  to  see  a  renewal 
of  epistolary  correspondence  between  our 
Yearly  Meetings,  believing,  with  thee,  that  it 
might  be  beneficial  and  strengthening  both  to 
you  and  us.  Some  are  prepared  for  it  now, 
others  think  the  time  is  not  yet.  We  must  be 
patient.  I  can  fully  and  freely  respond  to 
what  thou  sayest,  in  relation  to  our  Religious 
Society.  The  longer  I  live,  the  more  con- 
vinced I  am  that  we,  as  a  people,  have  great 
need  to  get  down  below  the  surface  to  dig 
deep  and  lay  our  foundation  low,  even  upon 
the  eternal  Rock  of  Ages,  our  Lord,  Christ 
Jesus  being  willing  to  be  led  and  guided  by 
His  holy  spirit,  who  teaches  as  never  man 
taught,  nor  can  teach.  I  know  of  no  other 
way  to  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  than  by  the 
Cross  of  Christ,  our  crucified  and  risen  Lord; 
'For  there  is  no  other  name  under  Heaven, 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be 
saved,'  but  by  the  name  of  Jesus.  Oh  that  we, 
the  members  of  our  Religious  Society,  might 
live  more  and  more  under  the  governmnt  and 
influence  of  the  spirit  of  Christ;  then  there 


ELWOOD  DEAN  27 

would  be  no  strife  or  division  amongst  us,  but 
we  should  see  eye  to  eye,  and  walk  by  the 
same  rule,  minding  the  same  things  and  thus 
becoming  prepared  to  labor  harmoniously  for 
the  honor  of  Truth." 

"Barnesville,  9th  Mo.,  5th. — Dear  Eliza- 
beth: My  heart  warms  with  love  and  sympa- 
thy whenever  my  thoughts  have  turned  to- 
wards thee,  which  has  been  very  often  indeed 
since  leaving  thee.  Tears  now  fill  my  eyes 
whilst  penning  these  lines  to  thee,  as  thy  lov- 
ing care  comes  before  my  view,  not  only  in 
so  freely  giving  me  up  to  apprehended  duty, 
but  also  in  almost  wearing  thyself  out  in 
trying  lo  fix  me  up  nicely  and  comfortably 
and  in  taking  all  the  burden  of  the  home  care 
whilst  I  am  away.  I  hope  and  have  earnestly 
desired  that  a  blessing  might  rest  upon  thee, 
and  dear  Mary.  Dear  child,  try  to  make  dear 
Auntie's  way  as  easy  as  thou  canst,  and  I  do 
believe  the  good  Master's  presence  will  be 
with  thee  and  His  blessing  will  attend." 

To  the  same— "llth  Mo.,  25th.— I  feel 
somewhat  disappointed  in  not  getting  off 
home  yesterday.  Last  Seventh  day  was 
Quarterly  Meeting  and  it  was  largely  attend- 
ed. R.  E.  P.  and  A.  V.  were  both  acceptably 
engaged  in  the  ministry.  Silence  appeared  to 
be  my  proper  place.  On  First  day  the  meet- 
ing house  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  not- 
withstanding that  it  was  a  snowy,  stormy  day. 
The  meeting  sat  long  in  silence. .  .  I  had  almost 


28  ELWOOD  DEAN 

concluded  that  it  would  close  in  silence,  but 
the  way  finally  opened  to  address  the  people, 
and  to  endeavor  to  impress  their  minds,  with 
the  necessity  of  silent  waiting  upon  the  Lord, 
if  we  would  know  an  advancement  in  the 
Truth,  and  an  establishment  on  the  unchange- 
able Foundation.  Finally  one  thing  after  an- 
other presented,  until  way  seemed  to  open  to 
speak  of  many  things  pertaining  to  life  and 
salvation  and  the  wellspring  of  life  seemed 
to  arise  and  flow  until  it  not  only  reached  to 
the  ankles  or  to  the  knees,  but  became  as  a 
river  to  swim  in.  There  seemed  a  solemn 
covering  over  the  meeting  and  we  were  all 
comforted  and  edified  together. 

"I  had  expected  to  go  on  my  way  rejoic- 
ing, with  a  free  and  easy  mind,  toward  my 
dear  home,  but  on  Second  day  morning,  in 
looking  towards  the  cars,  no  light  seemed  to 
shine  on  my  pathway.  I  made  a  few  calls, 
and  the  way  opened  for  us  to  be  comforted 
together,  but  now  I  do  not  feel  that  I  can 
leave  until  after  meeting  tomorrow.  I  do 
not  know  what  will  be  then,  but  I  feel 
doubts  as  to  whether  the  time  of  release  is 
at  hand  yet.  It  seems  as  though  bonds  and 
afflictions  may  still  await  me.  I  desire  to 
be  able  to  say  with  Paul  that,  'None  of  these 
things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life  dear 
unto  myself,  so  that  I  might  finish  my  course 
with  joy,  and  the  ministry,  which  I  have  re- 
ceived of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  gospel 


ELWOOD  DEAN 29 

of  the  grace  of  God.'  I  hope  you  may  be  pre- 
served in  patience,  and  remember  you  are 
under  the  protecting  care  of  Him,  without 
whose  notice  not  a  sparrow  falls  to  the 
ground.  I  have  been  preserved  in  health, 
through  all  sorts  of  weather  in  a  remarkable 
manner.  We  have  had  some  beautiful  weath- 
er and  some  very  stormy." 

From  J.  W.  to  Elwood  Dean.  "Dear 
Friend:  An  interesting  and  acceptable  letter 
received  from  thee  last  summer,  has  laid  by 
me  unanswered.  There  has  been  much  in  the 
interval  to  claim  my  care  and  attention,  and 
often  little  ability  to  write,  so  that  way 
has  not  opened  to  acknowledge  its  reception, 
though  often  remembered.  The  desire  thou 
seemed  to  feel,  that  some  friends  from  these 
parts  might  be  drawn  to  attend  your  last 
Yearly  Meeting  was  answered.  I  hope  the 
company  and  labors  of  our  friends  Clarkson 
Sheppard  and  Joseph  Scattergood  were  ac- 
ceptable and  useful  to  their  western  breth- 
ren. I  esteem  them  as  valuable  .Friends  .in 
their  respective  stations.  It  has  been  inter- 
esting to  me  to  hear  of  so  many  of  your  own 
ministers  being  sent  about,  to  visit  the  flock 
in  different  parts  of  your  land.  Is  it  not  the 
case  that  the  Head  of  the  Church  is  doing 
with  you,  through  His  moving  on  the  hearts 
of  individual  servants,  what  in  our  limits  He 
has  laid  on  the  Church  collectively:  to  culti- 
vate the  vineyard  more  thoroughly  than  has 


30  ELWOOD  DEAN 

been  done  for  some  time  before:  to  search  out 
the  waste  places,  and  strengthen  the  living 
plants?  I  have  noticed,  with  interest,  thy 
share  in  this  work.  I  suppose,  as  every  heart 
knows  its  own  bitterness,  so  every  yearly 
meeting  has  its  own  peculiar  trials  and  diffi- 
culties, its  weak  spots  and  suffering  cases. 
The  committee  of  our  Yearly  Meeting  is  in- 
dustriously employed,  in  visiting  meetings, 
and  has  indeed  labored  abundantly,  and  the 
meetings  have  often  been  owned  by  the  Di- 
vine presence.  In  thy  letter  thou  asks  .re- 
specting E.  R.,  who  spoke  in  Moorestown 
meeting  when  thou  wast  here.  She  has  since 
appeared  in  that  way,  I  think,  three  times.  I 
believe  such  sacrifices  are  sometimes  called 
for,  when  it  is  not  the  design  of  the  Head  of 
the  Church  permanently  to  employ  such  per- 
sons in  that  line  of  service.  How  it  may  be 
with  E.  I  do  not  know.  I  have  felt  much  in- 
terest in  her  case  and,  if  it  is  the  Divine  will, 
should  be  glad  to  see  her  commissioned  and 
sent  into  the  harvest  field.  Lydia  desires  her 
love  to  thy  wife  and  thyself  in  which  I  join, 
and  am  thy  sincere  friend. — J.  W." 

Letter  from  Soren  Oleson,  LeGrande, 
Iowa. 

Often  remembered  friend  ,  Elwood 
Dean: — I  have  felt  since  thou  wast  here  that 
it  would  be  right  for  me  to  send  thee  a  few 
lines,  in  order  to  express  that  love,  and  ten- 
der regard  I  felt  toward  thee  and  companions, 


ELWOOD  DEAN  31 

although  far  separated,  and  strangers  as  to 
the  outward;  and  nothing  but  a  feeling  of 
this  kind  would  induce  me  to  take  up  my 
pen  and  address  a  stranger,  and  one  that  is 
far  above  myself,  both  in  gifts  and  experience; 
but  'Charity,'  says  the  Apostle,  'beareth  all 
things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things, 
endureth  all  things.'  It  is  good  to  love  one 
another,  as  we  have  also  an  evidence  of  thy 
love  to  usward,  in  sending  us  an  acceptable 
letter,  which  was  more  than  we  could  expect. 
It  is  a  great  comfort  to  know  that  we  have 
friends  who  can  feel  and  sympathize  with  us, 
when  we  are  tried  and  proved.  It  has  been 
and  still  is  my  lot  to  be  tried  and  proved,  on 
account  of  the  still  increasing  decline  or  di- 
lapidation in  our  Society.  This  is  a  great 
sorrow  to  me,  so  much  so  that  I  believe  my 
natural  strength  is  wearing  away  with  it,  for 
I  view  it  and  feel  it,  in  a  two-fold  respect.  In 
the  first  place  the  great  majority  seem  in- 
clined to  go  back  to  that  which  our  early 
Friends  came  out  of,  and  which  they  faith- 
fully testified  against,  and  suffered  for  their 
testimony — seem  inclined  to  mix  up  and  bring 
in  innovations.  On  the  other  hand,  such  as 
I  would  consider  the  standard-bearers,  and 
foremost  rank  of  the  army,  are  so  split  and 
divided,  that  we  have  cause  to  query:  what 
is  the  true  body  of  Friends?  These  are  sor- 
rowful facts.  ...  In  viewing  our  part  of 
the  Society,  I  am  ready  to  exclaim:  "The  tes- 
timonies of  the  Lord  are  trodden  down!  The 


32  ELWOOD  DEAN 

ark  of  the  covenant  is  taken,  how  shall  we  re- 
gain it?  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things? 
I  did  not  know  anything  of  the  doctrine  and 
practice  of  the  Society  of  Friends  before  I 
was  'convinced,'  which  was  at  about  the  age 
of  eighteen  years;  and  as  the  doctrines  and 
testimonies  of  Friends  were  dear  to  me  then, 
so  they  have  been  ever  since,  and  therefore  it 
goes  hard  with  me  to  see  them  violated  or 
disregarded,  and  it  is  my  earnest  desire  to 
support  them,  although  I  am  quite  sensible 
it  is  under  many  weaknesses  and  frailties  of 
the  flesh.  When  I  was  twenty  years  old,  it 
was  my  lot  to  suffer  about  five  months  im- 
prisonment, for  refusing  to  work  in  the  mili- 
tary service  in  1848  in  my  native  land. 

"My  friend,  I  use  freedom.  I  do  not 
know  if  this  looks  like  a  letter  or  something 
else;  but  I  write  as  things  come  up  before  my 
mind,  hoping  thou  wilt  bear  with  me.  .  .  . 
So  I  conclude,  with  much  love  to  thee,  for  I 
feel  that  to  be  the  covering  of  my  mind,  as  I 
am  penning  these  lines.  I  should  be  glad  to 
meet  with  thee  again,  or  any  of  the  Lord's 
servants  whose  feet  should  be  turned  this 
way.  I  am  comforted  in  the  belief  that  there 
are  many  within  our  borders  who  are  earn- 
estly concerned  to  uphold  and  support  the  doc- 
trines and  ensigns  of  our  Society.  As  I  was 
reading,  this  morning,  the  seventh  chapter  of 
Jeremiah,  I  thought  how  very  instructive,  and 
how  many  warning  lessons.  May  we  be  wise 


ELWOOD  DEAN  33 

while  it  is  called  today!     Affectionately,  thy 
friend,  Soren  Oleson." 

Clarkson  Sheppard  to  Elwood  Dean. 
"My  Dear  Friend: — Being  in  Philadelphia  re- 
cently and  having  a  letter  of  thine,  to  our 
friend,  John  S.  Stokes,  handed  me  to  read,  I 
was  encouraged  and  helped  by  what  it  com- 
municated respecting  any  little  service,  I 
might  have  been  strengthened  to  render  while 
amongst  you  in  Ohio  and  Iowa.  Thou,  per- 
haps, does  not  know,  and  perhaps  may  not 
thyself  have  such  feelings  but  it  is  often  my 
lot  to  feel  that  I  never  did  any  good,  Godward 
in  my  life.  About  the  time  thy  letter  was 
handed  to  me  I  felt  a  good  deal  as  the  poor 
widow  of  Sarepta  did,  who,  when  the  prophet 
was  sent  to  her  was  just  gathering  a  few 
sticks  in  order  to  bake  the  last  cake,  that  she 
and  her  son  might  eat  thereof  and  die,  so  sore 
was  the  drought  and  famine  in  the  land.  .But 
how  true,  as  we'l  as  often  verified,  is  that 
scripture,  'The  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  them  that  fear 
Him,'  etc.,  for  thus  was  the  widow  sustained 
and  her  son  and  Elijah  too,  by  the  handful  of 
meal  and  the  little  oil  in  the  cruse,  until  the 
Lord  sent  rain  upon  the  earth.  I  thought,  dear 
friend,  thou  also  might  derive  some  encour- 
agement in  these  poor  times,  from  the  fact  of 
having  helped  a  poor  friend  and  brother,  in  a 
time  of  great  need,  by  inserting  just  what  thou 
did  in  that  letter.  Not  tending  to  exalt  the 


34  ELWOOD  DEAN 

creature  or  set  up,  no,  no!  but  encouraging 
to  faithfulness  and  to  the  committing  of  our- 
selves and  all  that  we  have  and  are,  unto 
the  'I  Am'  of  His  dependent  children.  Thy 
record  is  another  evidence  that,  by  giving  way 
to  small  impressions  brought  to  the  mind,  we 
may  sometimes  be  made  the  instruments  of 
help  and  comfort  to  one  another  without 
knowing  it,  yea,  become  indeed  one  another's 
helpers  and  joy  in  the  Lord. 

"Our  Yearly  Meeting  of  1887  has  passed 
into  history.  Thou  wilt  see  an  account  of  it 
prepared  for  'The  Friend.'  While  there  were 
some  encouraging  features,  and  especially 
precious  evidences,  at  times,  that  the  Lord,  in 
His  mercy,  condescends  to  our  low  estate  yet 
it  was,  to  some,  a  season  of  suffering.  The 
trials  of  our  day  are  so  great.  The  spirit  that 
has  been  permitted  to  set  in  upon  us  is  a  de- 
lusive one.  Its  Plausibility,  its  adaptative- 
ness  to  our  carnal  propensities,  in  seeking 
some  easier  way  to  the  kingdom;  its  glitter 
and  show  are  captivating,  and  will,  perhaps, 
try  the  foundations  of  everyone.  But  there  is 
an  ark  of  safety:  'The  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure,  having  this  seal  .the  Lord 
knoweth  them  that  are  his.'  Dear  friend,  does 
not  the  day  call  for  suffering?  'Fill  ye  up, 
therefore,  your  measure  of  the  cup  of  suffering 
for  His  body's  sake,  which  is  the  Church.' 
If  we  suffer  (with  Christ)  we  shall  also  reign 
with  Him.'  It  seems  to  me  that  it  is  those 


ELWOOD  DEAN  35 

who  are  willing  to  suffer  with  and  for  a  suf- 
fering Savior,  in  this  day  of  treading  down,  of 
removing  the  landmark,  and  of  trial,  that 
shall,  at  seasons  reign  with  Him,  and  know 
their  best  life  given  them  for  a  prey.  With 
love  to  thee  and  thy  dear  wife,  I  remain  affec- 
tionately, thy  sincere  friend,  Clarkson  Shep- 
pard." 

From  J.  S.  to  Elwood  Dean.  "Dear 
Friend:  Thou  hast  been  the  companion  of  my 
thoughts  for  some  time  past  and  I  should 
have  written  to  thee  ere  this,  but  we  have  been 
looking  for  thee  here.  This  morning  I  saw  A. 
B.  who  told  me  they  had  had  a  letter  from 
thee,  saying  thou  did  not  know  when  thou 
would  be  here,  and  also  thou  sent  love  to  us, 
which  is  very  acceptable.  We  also  got  a 
very  interesting  letter  from  our  mutual 
friend,  J.  S.  E.,  giving  a  pretty  full  account  of 
your  movements,  which  was  a  satisfaction  to 
us.  We  feel  entire  unity  with  thee  and  thy 
concern,  and  hope  and  believe  that  thou  and 
J.  S.  E.  will  be  strengthened  with  might  by  the 
spirit  of  our  Lord  and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ, 
in  the  inner  man,  to  do  the  work  he  calls  for 
at  your  hands,  in  meekness  and  fear.  Yes,  I 
believe  He  has  bestowed  on  thee  as  well  as 
J.  S.  E.  and  others,  a  gift  in  the  ministry,  for 
the  edification  of  the  churches,  as  well  as  to 
strengthen  the  weak  hands  of  many,  that  may 
seem  ready  to  hang  down  from  discourage- 
ments, and  to  confirm  the  feeble  knees,  and 


36  ELWOOD  DEAN 

that  a  right  knowledge  of  our  principles  may 
be  held  up  to  view,  to  those  sincere  enquirers 
who  are  tired  of  the  various  forms  and  cere- 
monies of  the  different  professions  of  religion, 
and  are  seeking  the  substance.  Oh!  may  the 
coming  of  that  day  be  hastened  when,  'The 
earth  shall  be  full  of  know'edge  of  the  Lord 
as  the  waters  cover  the  sea.'  Amen,  saith  my 
soul.  Although  there  are  many  discouraging 
things  around  us  in  our  once  highly  favored 
Society,  still  favored  with  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  I  believe  there  is  a  better  day  in  store  for 
us,  if  we  are  only  faithful  to  Him  who  hath 
called  us  to  glory  and  to  virtue.  The  cause  is 
His.  He  can  and  will  carry  on  His  own  work, 
and  qualify  instruments  for  every  service  in 
His  Church,  and  will  raise  up  judges  as  at  the 
fit  st,  and  counsellors  as  at  the  beginning.'  I  do 
not  forget  myself,  while  writing  to  one  who  is 
much  farther  advanced  in  the  heavenly  journey 
than  poor  me,  if  happily  I  have  taken  some 
steps  Zionward.  Oh!  Lord,  make  us  sensible, 
(make  me)  that  of  ourselves  we  ran  do  noth- 
ing that  will  advance  thy  cause  in  the  earth, 
but  that  all  good  cometh  from  thee,  the  inex- 
haustible fountain  of  light  and  strength,  God 
over  all  blessed  forever,  who  is  worthy  to  be 
praised  by  His  creature  man  whom  he  has 
created.  Thy  true  friend.  J.  S." 

"5th  Mo.  27,  1881.  My  Dear  Elizabeth: 
My  mind  is  turned  towards  thee  every  day, 
and  many  times  each  day,  hoping  and  desir- 
ing that  thou  art,  and  will  be  sustained  by  that 


ELWOOD  DEAN  37 

Almighty  Arm  of  power  which  created  the 
universe  and  sustains  it,  and  who  also  con- 
descends to  listen  to,  and  answer  the  cry  and 
the  prayer  of  the  lowly  and  humble,  even 
those  who  may  often  feel  poor  in  spirit  and 
unworthy  of  His  holy  regard  and  notice.  Yet 
although  He  inhabits  eternity,  and  dwells  in 
the  high  and  holy  place,  He  condescends  also 
to  visit  the  lowly,  the  humble  and  the  con- 
trite ones,  to  revive  the  spirits  of  such  from 
time  to  time  so  they  may  not  give  out  by  the 
way.  'Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 
so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him.  For 
He  knoweth  our  frame;  He  remembereth  that 
we  are  dust,'  and  will  not  suffer  us  to  be  tried 
or  tempted,  or  so  long  destitute  of  spiritual 
food  and  nourishment,  that  we  will  perish  in 
the  wilderness;  though  at  times  He  may,  for 
the  trial  of  our  faith  suffer  us  to  go  long 
fasting;  yet  He  will  enable  us  to  live  by  that 
little  grain  of  faith,  and  the  remembrance  of 
His  mercies  past,  having,  as  it  were  partaken 
of  a  little  of  that  soul  sustaining  food  com- 
parable to  the  little  cake  of  which  the  prophet 
partook  and  was  sustained  forty  days.  That 
same  power  can  and  will  sustain  the  Lord's 
humble  dependent  children  now,  even  as  then, 
and  although  we  may  often  feel  poor  in  spirit, 
we  may  remember  that  a  blessing  is  pro- 
nounced on  such  by  our  holy  and  compassion- 
ate Redeemer. 

"Now  I  will  try  to  post  thee  a  little  as  to 
our  movements  since  I  last  wrote.      On  Sev- 


38 ELWOOD  DEAN 

enth  day  evening  we  took  our  departure  from 
the  City,  and  went  by  rail  to  Reading,  a  city 
of  forty  thousand  inhabitants,  sixty  miles  up 
the  Schuylkill  river,  where  we  found  a  small 
meeting  of  Friends.  As  notice  had  been 
given,  the  meeting  was  larger  than  usual,  a 
number  of  others  besides  regular  attenders 
being  present.  It  proved  a  time  of  favor 
wherein  our  strength  was  renewed.  In  the 
afternoon  attended  a  meeting  appointed  by  J.  S. 
Elkinton,  in  a  Hicksite  meeting  house  in  the 
City.  It  proved  a  relieving  time  to  my  mind. 
I  often  feel  unworthy  of  the  least  of  the  Lord's 
mercies,  and  am  very  sensible  I  can  do  nothing 
of  myself,  either  for  the  relief  of  my 
own  mind,  or  for  the  advancement  of  the  good 
cause,  and  have  abundant  reason  to  bless  and 
praise  His  holy  name,  for  enabling  so  poor  and 
unworthy  an  instrument  to  relieve  an  often 
deeply  exercised  mind,  I  believe,  so  far,  without 
hurting  the  cause  of  truth.  .  Friends  seem  very 
kind,  and  do  what  they  can  to  make  our  way 
easy.  The  door  seems  open  to  receive  us  and 
our  testimony.  After  we  attended  the  last 
named  meeting  we  went  to  a  place  called  Robe- 
son  about  seven  miles  distant.  There  was 
only  one  family  of  Friends  there.  It  was  a 
place  where  a  meeting  had  gone  down,  but 
public  notice  being  given,  quite  a  number  as- 
sembled and  it  proved  a  good  meeting.  .One 
man  laid  hold  of  my  hand  as  I  left  the  meeting, 
saying,  'God  bless  you.'  They  all  seemed  glad 
of  the  meeting.  Then  we  went  to  a  small  set- 


ELWOOD  DEAN  39 

tlement  of  Friends  nine  or  ten  miles  further  up 
the  river,  and  attended  a  meeting  in  a  Hicksite 
meeting  house.     There  was  but  one  of  their 
members  left  there.    He  attended,  and  quite  a 
company  gathered;  it  proved  an  open,  favored 
time.          .  ...... 

"After  Bucks  Quarterly  Meeting  I  could 
say,  'Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul;  for  the 
Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee.'  Indeed 
it  has  seemed  remarkable  how  the  current  of 
life  has  continued  with  me  from  time  to  time, 
so  that  I  have  had  to  rejoice  in  the  Divine 
mercy  and  goodness  to  so  poor  a  creature 
Praise  to  the  Lord's  ever  worthy  name!  .  . 
Elwood  Dean. 

"6th  Mo.  25th.  Dear  Elizabeth :  We  sent 
word  to  West  Chester  that  we  intended  to  be 
there  on  First  day.  Phebe  W.  Roberts  had  a 
minute  to  visit  all  the  meetings  in  the  Quarter, 
and  said  she  felt  as  though  she  hardly  knew 
how  or  when  to  commence,  and  was  hoping  the 
good  Master  would  send  some  one  to  help  her, 
and  now  it  seemed  as  if  the  time  had  come,  and 
the  way  was  open  to  go,  if  I  was  prepared  to 
accompany  her.  It  seemed  a  relief  to  my  mind, 
and  a  confirmation  that  I  was  in  the  line  of 
Divine  appointment,  so  next  morning  we  went 
to  West  Chester  where  we  had  a  large  and 
and  highly  favored  meeting.  We  dined  with 
Jane  Gibbons,  an  eminent  minister.  In  the 
afternoon  went  to  Westtown  and  attended 
meeting  there  at  four  o'clock.  Next  Iday  at- 
tended an  appointed  meeting  at  Birmingham 


40 ELWOQD  DEAN 

one  at  Chester  on  Third  day,  and  one  at  Go- 
shen  on  Fourth  day,  Middletown  on  Fifth  day, 
at  Chester  on  Sixth  day  in  the  forenoon,  and  at 
Darby  in  the  afternoon  and  are  now  resting 
at  George  Garrett's. 

"  .  .  .  I  think  it  likely  I  shall  at- 
tend the  Monthly  Meetings  with  P.  W.  R.  as 
they  occur,  the  coming  week.  I  cannot  see  the 
end  yet,  but  think  it  likely  I  shall  have  to  at- 
tend a  large  proportion  of  the  meetings  com- 
posing the  Yearly  Meeting.  Our  dear  friend 
Rachel  Roberts  is  deceased  and  is  to  be 
buried  tomorrow.  She  was  in  her  ninetieth 
year.  Friends  here  send  love  to  thee,  they  do 
almost  wherever  I  go,  so  there  is  no  need  to 
be  discouraged  for  want  of  love,  and  I  hope 
and  trust  the  dear  Master's  love  is  to  thee,  and 
round  about  thee  for  thy  help  and  support 
through  this  lonely  time.  I  still  hope  to  be 
permitted  to  return  in  peace  in  the  good  Mas- 
ters time. 

"J.  is  a  very  good  and  kind  companion. 
He  seems  to  enjoy  good  health,  except  that  he 
has  had  a  severe  cold,  but  is  much  better  now. 
He  does  all  he  can  for  my  relief  and  help, 
which  is  very  satisfactory,  for  I  often  feel  very 
v/eary  and  need  rest.  I  have  frequently  stood 
long  on  my  feet  in  meeting,  for  one  no  better 
qualified  for  the  work.  I  feel  that  I  have  much 
to  be  thankful  for,  and  above  all  that  the  dear 
Master  has  been  with  me  in  a  remarkable  man- 


ELWOOD  DEAN  41 

ner  from  day  to  day,  qualifying  for  the  service 
which  He  requires,  and  is  strength  in  weak- 
ness, riches  in  poverty  and  a  present  helper  in 
the  needful  time,  strengthening  for  every  good 
word  and  work.  My  dear  Elizabeth,  let  us 
bow  in  humility  and  thankfulness  at  His  holy 
foot  stool,  for  He  richly  rewards  those  who 
diligently  seek  Him.  Glory  to  His  ever  worthy 
name!  I  would  like  my  love  given  to  dear  E. 
H.  Hope  she  will  not  give  out  by  the  way,  but 
be  strengthened  to  do  the  Lord's  holy  will,  be- 
ing faithful  to  the  pointings  of  duty  that  she 
may  occupy  the  precious  gift  committed  to 
her  trust,  so  that  she  mav  receive  the  answer, 
'Well  done,  eood  and  faithful  servant: 
enter  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.' 

With  much  love  to  thee,     dear     E.,     Elwood 
Dean. 

"7th  Mo.  1st.  My  Dear  Elizabeth:  I  re- 
ceived thine  today  and  was  very  glad  to  hear 
from  thee.  I  sympathize  with  thee  in  thy  lone- 
liness, but  I  believe  it  is  better  thou  did  not 
come,  as  thou  could  not  have  traveled  right 
on,  all  the  hundreds  of  miles  I  have,  and  thy 
faith  and  strength  have  held  out,  without  a 
miracle.  It  would  often  have  been  very  incon- 
venient getting  from  station  to  station.  I  can 
walk  a  little  without  hurting  myself,  (farther 
than' thou  could)  which  is  a  great  accommoda- 
tion sometimes.  Phebe  W.  Roberts  and  I 
traveled  in  great  harmony  and  unity.  We  at- 
tended ten  meetings  in  seven  days,  all  favored 


42 ELWOOD  DEAN 

seasons,  some  of  them  particularly  so.  One  of 
them  where  Joseph  Rhoades  lives,  at  Spring- 
field, was  very  large  and  remarkably  favored. 
I  think  I  have  never  known  the  power  of  Truth 
to  prevail  more,  through  such  a  feeble  instru- 
ment as  I  am.  P.  W.  R.  is  a  very  sweet  spirited 
minister  and  has  been  much  favored.  .She  is 
much  beloved  by  Friends  here,  and  has  great 
place  with  them  generally.  We  have  got 
through  with  Concord  Quarter,  but  Phebe 
wishes  to  hold  a  meeting  on  First  day  at  her 
own  meeting  house  and  wishes  me  to  attend, 
which  I  feel  like  doing. 

"Last  Second  day  attended  the  Monthly 
Meeting  at  Media,  and  the  usual  meeting  the 
day  previous,  a  large  favored  meeting.  On 
Third  day  went  to  Salem  Monthly  Meeting, 
New  Jersey.  Phebe's  mission  being  about  ac- 
complished she  did  not  go,  but  J.  S.  E.  did. 

.  .  .  Last  evening  we  had  a  large  meeting 
in  the  city  with  the  colored  Methodists.  The 
congregation  appeared  to  be  a  well  educated 
class  of  people.  The  bishop  and  Minister  were 
both  present.  It  was  a  solemn  meeting  and  an 
interesting  time.  'One  nicely  behaved  colored 
woman  came  here  this  morning  to  see  us. 
There  had  been  allusion  made  to  the  good 
Shepherd's  voice,  which  touched  her  heart  and 
she  came  to  have  some  conversation  with  us  on 
that  subject.  She  said  she  had  long  been  con- 
vinced that  it  was  her  duty  to  preach.  She 
knew  there  was  a  prejudice  against  woman's 


ELWOOD  DEAN  43 

preaching  and  she  had  suffered  much  before 
she  gave  up — had  been  brought  very  low,  and 
covenanted  to  be  faithful  if  raised  up  again, 
and,  when  she  got  well,  thought  it  her  duty  to 
go  South  to  Virginia,  etc.,  where  she  had 
preached  to  both  white  and  colored  people,  and 
had  experienced  great  peace  in  endeavoring  to 
follow  the  good  Shepherd,  and  much  success 
had  crowned  her  labors.  It  was  a  very  inter- 
esting interview.  We  were  all  edified  together 
and  she  went  on  her  way  rejoicing. 

"I  received  a  good  letter  from  John  Brant- 
ingham  encouraging  me  to  hold  on  to  the 
work,  until  I  see  the  right  time  for  a  release. 
I  want  thee,  too,  to  depend  on  the  heavenly 
Master,  our  tender  and  merciful  Father  who 
cares  for  the  lonely  sparrows,  and  will  care 
for  thee  while  he  calls  for  my  services  abroad. 
I  could  not  expect  to  have  peace  if  I  did  not 
follow  Him  faithfully.  That  is  the  way  to 
work  out  my  soul's  salvation,  that  I  may  re- 
ceive the  reward  of  'Well  done,  thou  good  and 
faithful  servant:  .  .  .  enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord.'  If  I  am  only  favored  to 
finish  my  course  in  peace,  it  is  more  than  all 
worldly  enjoyment.  'Pray  one  for  another; 
.  .  .  the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  right- 
eous man  availeth  much.'  With  love,  fare- 
well. Elwood  Dean. 

Phebe  W.  Roberts  to  Elwood  Dean. 

"Elwood  Dean,  Dear  Friend:  Our  dear 
daughter  was  much  gratified  by  receiving  a  let- 


44  ELWOOD  DEAN 

ter  from  thee  this  morning.  We  were  very 
glad  to  hear  from  you,  and  thy  account  of  the 
meetings  you  visited  was  interesting,  as  I  have 
been  amongst  the  Friends  at  Muncy  Monthly 
Meeting  some  years  ago.  Suppose  by  this 
time  you  are  on  your  way  to  Ohio,  where  a 
warm  welcome  awaits  you,  and  the  rich  reward 
of  peace  will  be  granted  an  hundred  fold  in  this 
life,  and  in  one  to  come  everlasting  life,  is  the 
precious  promise  to  those  who  leave  all  for  the 
dear  Master's  sake  and  the  Gospel's;  and  thy 
dear  E.  will  partake  of  the  'spoil'  and  nothing 
short  of  the  Everlasting  Arms  could  have  sup- 
ported her  in  thy  absence.  .No  doubt  many 
anxious  moments  she  has  had,  as  thy  health 
was  not  good  when  thou  first  came  amongst 
us,  but  that  improved  as  thou  journey 
around.  Cannot  we  adopt  the  language, 
'Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us?'  The 
comfort  and  strength  thy  visit  was  to  some  of 
the  little  ones,  will  be  remembered,  and  I  doubt 
not  a  blessing  will  rest  upon  thy  labors,  and 
some  who  are  wandering  from  the  fold  be 
awakened  to  a  more  serious  consideration  of 
their  latter  end.  The  feeling  of  thy  mind  may 
be  'I  have  done  no  more  than  was  my  duty 
to  do',  attended  with  the  feeling  of  being  an 
unprofitable  servant,  but  though  we  are  not  to 
rejoice  when  the  spirits  are  made  subject  to  us, 
yet  it  is  said,  'Rather  rejoice  because  your 
names  are  written  in  heaven.' 

The  visit  to  the  meetings  in  our  Quarterly 
Meeting,   for   which    I    was    liberated   before 


ELWOOD  DEAN  45 

knowing  thee  was  coming  amongst  us  was  to 
me  a  fresh  evidence  of  the  tender  regard  and 
compassion  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  making  a 
way  where  no  way  was  seen.  My  heart  was 
humbled  under  a  fresh  sense  of  His  goodness 
and  mercy,  which  has  followed  me  all  the  days 
of  my  life.  The  visit  to  those  meetings  with 
thee  and  thy  dear  companion,  the  Friends 
houses  where  we  were  together  and,  at  some 
of  them,  the  little  heavenly  showers  that  de- 
scended to  the  refreshing  of  the  weary,  trav- 
eler Zionward,  are  seasons  to  be  remembered. 

"Your  Yearly  Meeting  is  drawing  on.  I 
shall  be  with  you  in  mind,  and  may  Israel's 
unslumbering  Shepherd  agains  overshadow 
you  with  His  holy  presence,  enabling  you  to 
transact  the  weighty  concerns  of  the  Church. 
I  was  comforted  in  being  with  you  last  year, 
and  Friends  of  that  Yearly  Meeting  feel  as 
'bone  of  my  bone'  and  would  that  way  might 
open  to  renew  correspondence.  Please  give 
my  love  to  those  who  inquire  for  thy  poor 
friend.  We  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  thee  at 
any  time.  Tell  Jesse  a  letter  from  him  will 
be  acceptable.  Jacob  joins  in  love  to  you  both 
and  dear  E.  I  remain  thy  friend.  Phebe  W. 
Roberts." 

Letter  from  George  J.  Scatergood  to  Eliz- 
abeth Dean. 

"Dear  Friend:  Believing  it  would  be 
agreeable  to  thee  to  hear  from  some  of  those 


46 ELWOOD  DEAN 

amongst  whom  thy  valued  husband  has  lately 
been  engaged  in  religious  labors,  I  write,  partly 
at  his  suggestion,  to  give  thee  some  information 
respecting  him,  not  doubting,  however,  that  by 
his  own  pen  thou  hast  frequently  been  made 
acquainted  with  his  movements  and  some  of  his 
exercises.  The  day  before  yesterday  he  left 
Philadelphia  for  Reading  not  expecting  to  re- 
turn to  these  parts;  and  in  retrospect  of  the 
visit  which  he  had  paid  us  here,  I  fully  believe 
he  will  feel  a  sweet  reward  of  peace.  His  labors 
have  been  very  earnest  and  diligent  and  his 
ministry  has  been  accompanied  with  convinc- 
ing power  and  with  that  refreshment,  at  times, 
to  the  well  concerned  which  animates  the  soul, 
and  which  proves  the  validity  of  his  commis- 
sion as  minister  of  the  Gospel,  while  his  conver- 
sation out  of  meeting  has  been  attended  fre- 
quently with  an  innocent  cheerfulness,  which 
has  rendered  his  company  very  satisfactory  and 
instructive. 

In  reviewing  his  visit  here,  atended,  as  it 
has  been,  with  a  cordial  reception  from  various 
classes  amongst  us,  and  accompanied  with  the 
evidences  which  Truth  furnishes,  it  has  been 
a  subject  of  sincere  satisfaction  that  his  steps 
have  been  turned  this  way,  and  I  trust  the 
fruits  of  his  labors,  consistent  example  and  de- 
dication, may  appear  both  in  individuals  and  in 
our  collective  capacity,  tending,  as  I  believe  it 
will,  to  draw  more  nearly  together  the  mem- 
bers of  our  respective  Yearly  Meetings,  and 


ELWOOD  DEAN  47 

removing  doubts  and  prejudices  in  the  minds 
of  some  which  have  acted  as  obstacles  to  that 
fellowship  which  should,  I  believe,  more  con- 
spicuously appear  between  these  two  bodies. 
My  wife  desires  her  love  to  thee.  I  am  thy  sin- 
cere friend,  G.  J.  Scattergood." 

Elwood  Dean  to  a  friend  under  affliction: 
"It  would  be  very  pleasant  to  know  how  thou 
art  getting  along  whether  thy  health  im: 
proves  or  not.  There  seems  no  other  way  for 
such  as  thou,  and  indeed  for  any  of  us,  than 
to  endeavor  to  'let  patience  have  her  perfect 
v.  ork,  that  we  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  want- 
ing nothing.'  If  fully  resigned,  the  language 
will  sometimes  come  to  us,  'My  grace  is  suffi- 
cient for  thee.'  And  indeed  the  time  is  short 
for  any  of  us.  'Our  life  is  but  a  vapor  that  ap- 
peareth  for  a  little  time  and  then  vanisheth 
away.'  I  still  remember  at  times  that  beauti- 
ful psalm,  'The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall 
not  want.  He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green 
pastures ;  He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 
He  restoreth  my  soul;  He  leadeth  me  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness  for  His  name's  sake. 
Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil;  for  thou 
art  with  me;  Thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  com- 
fort me.' 

"My  dear  friend,  neither  think  the  time 
long  nor  hard  when  the  Bridegroom  is  pleased 
to  withdraw  His  holy  presence  from  us  for  a 
time.  We  may  feel  to  exclaim  as  the  Psalmist 


48  ELWOOD  DEAN 

did,  'Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul?  and 
why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me?'  but  let  us 
be  encouraged  as  he  was  to  say,  'Hope  thou  in 
God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him,  who  is  the 
health  of  my  countenance  and  my  God.'  In 
quietness  and  confidence  is  thy  strength  at 
these  times,  and  then  the  encouraging  lan- 
guage, 'He  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be 
saved,'  and  shall  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death  and  fear  no  evil." 

From  Elizabeth  Dean's  diary:  "Called  to 
see  Amelia  Maerkt  and  daughters.  They  seem 
to  feel  their  loss  (the  death  of  F.  M.)  very 
much.  Amelia,  on  being  asked  her  maiden 
name,  said  it  was  Steinhofer,  and  that  it  was 
her  grandfather  of  whom  we  have  read  the  ac- 
count that  as  he  was  going  to  visit  a  sick  man, 
one  First  day  afternoon,  he  was  waylaid  by  a 
man  who  intended  to  shoot  him,  but  thought  he 
saw  two  men  walking  with  him,  by  which  he 
was  deterred  from  doing  so. 

4th  Mo.  27th — We  have  now  attended  all 
the  meetings  belonging  to  Ohio  Yearly  Meet- 
ing except  those  in  Iowa.     We  have  passed 
through  much  exercise  of  mind,  and  find  things 
low  in  many  places,  yet  the  Lord  in  His  un- 
bounded goodness  and  mercy  is  still  watching 
over  our  poor  stripped  and  peeled  Society  for 
good,  warning,  calling,  and  inviting  us  to  all 
turn  to  Him,  to  cleave  unto  Him,  that  we  may 
be  with  Him,  and  then  He  will  be  with  us,  to 
our  comfort  and  peace,  and  will  build  us  up. 


ELWOOD  DEAN  49 

We  found  a  living  remnant  among  those  who 
appeared  to  be  mourning  over  the  desolation 
cf  Zion.  Some  in  every  meeting  with  whom 
we  could  freely  mingle  and  take  sweet  counsel 

together,  and  had  many  sweet  and  precious 
seasons  of  meetings,  when  the  overshadowing 
of  heavenly  good  was  experienced  and  the 

descendings  as  of  the  early  and  the  latter  rain, 
much  to  the  refreshment  of  our  souls.  For 
these  precious  seasons  we  ought  to  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord's  ever  worthy  name. 

"6th  Mo.  25th — Visited  the  State  Prison 
at  Animosa,  and  were  kindly  and  cordially 
received  by  the  officers  in  charge.  We  were 
invited  into  their  meeting  room  where  they 
were  assembled  for  scripture  reading  and  in- 
struction, after  which  their  meeting  was  held. 
After  they  had  gone  through  with  their  ser- 
vice the  way  was  opened  for  E.  to  address 
them.  He  spoke  at  considerable  ^"ojth,  open- 
ing unto  them  the  way  of  life  and  salvation 
and  encouraging  them  to  lay  hold  of  the  hope 
set  before  them,  whereby  they  might,  through 
true  repentance,  receive  the  remission  of  their 
sins  and  experience  a  preparation  for  a  happy 
eternity.  There  was  a  stranger  present  by 
the  name  of  Henry  C.  Parson,  who  addressed 
them  in  a  very  touching  manner,  saying  that 
he  had  in  his  early  life,  been  a  prisoner  just  as 
they  were  now.  He  seemed  to  enter  into  feel- 
ing with  them,  and  gave  them  very  good  advice 
for  both  the  present  and  the  future,  particularly 


50 ELWOOD  DEAN 

when  the  time  came  for  them  to  leave  there. 
He  spoke  highly  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  as 
a  class  of  people  to  whom  they  might  look  for 
help  and  encouragement  in  the  right  way. 
Many  of  the  prisoners  shed  tears.  I  believe 
there  were  about  one  hundred  and  seventy  in- 
mates, many  of  whom  were  young  or  middle 
aged." 

Letter  from  Elwood  Dean  to  Joseph  S. 
Elkinton. 

"Dear  Friend:  It  seems  like  I  have  been 
very  neglectful  in  regard  to  answering  letters, 
but  my  situation  and  condition  has  been  such 
that  I  could  not  write  much.  I  have  passed 
through  many  exercises  and  perils,  within  and 
without.  No  perils  by  sea,  but  some  by  land 
and  perils  among  all  sorts  of  things,  added  to 
which  my  health  has  been  poor  and  remains 
so.  I  am  sitting  now  with  my  foot  up  on  a 
chair  on  account  of  my  limb  being  swollen 
and  painful.  Thou  may  remember  our  meet- 
ing at  T.  Patterson's  near  Stillwater,  many 
years  ago.  I  was  then  suffering  with  a  swol- 
len and  painful  limb  which  gradually  grew 
better  and  has  never  troubled  me  much  since. 
My  suffering  now  is  from  a  similar  attack  on 
the  other  limb,  so  taking  all  things  into  con- 
sideration, I  believe  we  may  say, 'This  is  not 
the  place  of  our  rest,'  but  we  must  look  for 
that  perfect  rest  only  in  the  home  above 
where  'The  wicked  cease  from  troubling  and 
the  weary  be  at  rest.' 


ELWOOD  DEAN  51 

"We  have  been  among  the  scattered  rem- 
nants both  in  Indiana  and  Kansas,  but  we 
have  not  visited  those  in  Iowa  yet,  and  do  not 
know  whether  we  shall.  Time  will  determine. 
We  have  visited  the  meeting  in  Linn  County, 
Iowa  and  Hickory  Grove  and  West  Branch 
in  Cedar  County.  I  do  not  see  when  we 
shall  leave  this  neighborhood,  nor  do  I  feel 
sure  that  we  are  clear  of  some  of  the  other 
meetings  in  Iowa  yet.  That  I  must  leave  for 
the  present,  and  try  to  live  a  day  at  a  time. 
We  have  met  with  some  honest-hearted 
goodly  Friends  in  the  different  neighborhoods 
amongst  those  scattered  remnants  that  have 
withdrawn  from  the  larger  bodies.  We  have 
met  with  some  things  in  Cedar  County,  I  sup- 
pose, very  similar  to  what  thou  met  with 
here.  In  all  our  travels  the  effect  of  the  fall 
seems  manifest,  and  I  am  often  reminded  of 
the  language  of  an  Apostle,  'For  this  purpose 
the  Son  of  God  was  manifested,  that  He 
might  destroy  the  works  of  the  Devil.'  He 
was,  in  great  mercy,  manifested  for  this  pur- 
pose, but  the  subtlety  of  the  Enemy  is  so 
great,  and  the  allurements  of  sin  so  prevalent 
that  many  choose  what,  to  them,  seems  pleas- 
ure, the  blinding,  fascinating  pleasures  for  a 
season,  rather  than  hear  the  voice  of  Him  who 
said,  'If  any  man  will  come  after  Me,  let  him 
deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  daily,  and 
follow  me,'  so  that  the  work  goes  on  slowly 
and  many  seem  in  danger  of  taking  up  a 
rest  short  of  the  true  rest;  yet  I  believe  there 


52  ELWOOD  DEAN 

are  many  scattered  up  and  down  who  are 
enquiring  the  way  to  Zion,  with  their  faces 
thitherward.  May  these  'Be  strengthened 
with  might  by  His  spirit  in  the  inner  man'  and 
enabled  to  hold  on  their  way,  for  those  who 
continue  faithful  to  the  end  shall  be  saved, 
shall  receive  the  crown  of  life  which  fadeth 
not  away;  and  surely,  to  these,  the  trials  and 
afflictions  of  the  present  time  are  not  to  be 
compared  to  the  glory  which  shall  be  re- 
vealed. 

"Amidst  my  many  probations,  I  have  this 
one  comfort  and  evidence  of  life,  that  I  still 
feel  that  I  love  the  brethren  and  desire  the 
prosperity  of  Truth  and  the  advancement  of 
the  good  cause.  .As  to  those  fearfully  de- 
structive cyclones,  I  have  not  heard  of  any 
Friends  suffering  the  loss  of  life  or  property, 
but  when  we  are  surounded  with  so  many 
perils  and  imminent  dangers,  ought  not  our 
hearts  to  be  humbled,  and  the  solmen  lan- 
guage to  come  home  to  us  all  'Be  ye  there- 
fore ready  also  for  the  Son  of  Man  cometh  at 
an  hour  when  ye  think  not,  and  ye  may  be 
called  from  time  to  eternity.'  E.  Dean." 

Letter  from  R.  E.  Patterson  to  E.  Dean. 

"2nd  Mo.  21st  1882.  Dear  Friend  El- 
wood  Dean:  I  do  prize  the  privilege  of  fol- 
lowing up  in  feeling  for,  and  with  the  laborers 
in  the  work  of  the  gospel,  and  would  bid  those 
now  on  this  embassy  in  the  West  God-speed 
on  their  journey,  earnestly  desiring  that  a 


ELWOOD  DEAN  53 

blessing  may  rest  upon  the  labor  that  I  believe 
is  called  for,  in  gathering  those  that  have 
been  scattered  in  a  cloudy  and  dark  day;  as 
well  as  to  minister  to  the  needs  of  the  sheep 
and  lambs  of  the  Flock,  under  the  fresh  an- 
nointing  and  putting  forth  of  the  good  Shep- 
herd, who  sees  need  even  in  this  day  to  equip 
and  send  forth  those  whom  He  will,  with  the 
command  'Feed  my  sheep — feed  my  lambs.' 
And  if  the  call  should  seem  to  be  often  re- 
peated, how  good  it  is  to  feel  that  He  who 
putteth  forth  goeth  before  and  not  only  mak- 
eth  the  way  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  but  is 
mouth  and  wisdom,  tongue  and  utterance,  in 
all  that  He  requireth,  and  a  rich  rewarder  of 
all  those  that  willingly  serve  Him.  Even  the 
good  of  the  land  is  in  store  for  those  who  dili- 
gently serve  the  great  Lord  of  the  harvest,  as 
thou,  dear  friend,  can  bear  testimony  to, 
though  thou  may  and  will  realize  the  varied 
baptisms  that  are  needful  by  the  way.  Sum- 
mer and  winter,  seed  time  and  harvest,  were 
to  continue  unto  the  very  end.  And  what  son 
is  there  whom  the  Father  chasteneth  not,  and 
who  would  not  rather  bear  the  chastening  rod 
than  slide  into  an  easier  path  which  leads  to 
destruction.  R.  E.  Paterson." 

In  a  letter  to  J.  Walton,  dated  8th  Mo.  29th 
Elwood  Dean  says: 

"Notice  was  given  for  next  day,  being 
First  day.  The  house  was  well  filled  and  it 
proved  a  relieving  time  to  my  mind,  and  the 


54  ELWOOD  DEAN 

people  seemed  satisfied.  I  think  we  had  com- 
plete evidence  that  there  are  many  people  in 
different  parts  of  the  country  who  are  glad  of 
the  privilege  of  attending  meetings  held  after 
the  ancient  order  and  practice  of  Friends,  and 
that  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  should  be 
again  held  forth,  as  they  were  believed  in,  and 
practiced  by  those  sons  of  the  morning,  who 
were  instrumental  in  gathering  our  beloved 
Society  in  the  beginning,  viz.,  Geo.  Fox,  Wm. 
Penn,  Robert  Barclay  and  a  host  of  others  in 
that  day.  The  power  that  gathered  them  re- 
mains the  same.  The  gospel  light  life  and 
power  changeth  not,  and  therefore  the  sons 
of  Jacob  are  not  consumed,  the  foundations 
are  not  destroyed,  and  after  man  has  wearied 
himself  in  bringing  in  changes  and  innova- 
tions in  principle  and  practice,  endeavoring 
to  find  an  easier  path  to  walk  in,  an  easier  way 
to  climb  up  to  heaven,  than  the  way  of  the 
cross.  It  will  be  found  that  'The  foundation 
of  God  standeth  sure,  having  this  seal,  the 
Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  His,'  and  that, 
Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that 
is  laid  which  is  Jesus  Christ,'  and  that  to 
build  on  this  foundation  the  carnal  mind  must 
be  siain,  the  old  man  with  his  deeds  put  off, 
and  the  new  man,  created  anew  in  Christ 
Jesus,  put  on  which  is  not  an  imaginary  work 
but  a  real  work,  an  experimental,  heart  cleans- 
ing work,  through  the  powerful  operation  of 
the  holy  Spirit,  purifying  and  sanctifying  the 
soul;  not  only  fitting  and  preparing  it  for  the 


ELWOOD  DEAN  55 

mansions  of  eternal  rest  and  peace,  but  also 
for  an  habitation  for  his  holy  Spirit  to  dwell 
in.  Whilst  we,  as  strangers  and  pilgrims,  are 
journeying  through  this  wilderness  world,  the 
blessed  Spirit  is  as  a  light  to  our  feet,  and  a 
lantern  to  our  paths,  and  is  the  true  Com- 
forter whom  Christ  said  the  Father  would 
send  in  His  name,  'Even  the  spirit  of  Truth; 
whom  the  world  cannot  receive,  because  it 
seeth  Him  not,  neither  knoweth  Him;  but  ye 
know  Him ;  for  He  dwelleth  with  you  and 
shall  be  in  you.'  .  .  . 

'My  faith  remains  firm  that  there  will 
be  again,  a  time  of  gathering,  a  time  when  the 
voice  of  the  true  Shepherd  will  be  more  and 
more  heard  in  the  land,  for  there  shall  be  one 
fold  and  one  Shepherd.  The  gospel  truths 
proclaimed  by  our  worthy  predecessors  in 
the  beginning,  are  as  unchangeable  as  their 
Author,  and  however  they  may  be  despised 
and  rejected  and  trampled  under  foot  for  a 
time,  yet  they  will  arise  again  in  greater 
brightness  and  beauty  and  must  gradually 
spread  over  the  whole  earth  until  'The  king- 
doms of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  Lord,  and  of  His  Christ.'  This  hope  is 
animating  and  should  encourage  everyone  to 
faithfulness,  watchfulness  and  diligence,  that 
we  may  be  found  in  our  allotments  at  the  end 
of  the  day.  Having  fought  the  good  fight,  fin- 
ished our  course  and  kept  the  faith,  there  will 
be  laid  up  for  us  a  crown  of  eternal  life  in  the 
world  to  come." 


56  ELWOOD  DEAN 

"Joseph  Walton,  My  Dear  Friend:  Thy 
acceptable  letter  of  the  5th  inst.  was  duly  re- 
ceived, and  we  were  glad  to  hear  from  thee, 
as  we  always  are.  I  think  the  matters  alluded 
to,  in  relation  to  our  Yearly  Meeting,  are 
worthy  of  consideration.  There  is  balm  in 
Gilead  and  there  is  a  physician  there,  who  is 
able  to  heal  all  our  maladies,  to  forgive  upon 
true  repentence,  all  our  sins,  and  to  love  us 
freely.  If  all  were  truly  humbled  and 
brought  to  see  the  necessity  of  having  the 
beam  cast  out  of  our  own  eyes,  before  en- 
deavoring to  cast  the  mote  from  a  brother's 
eye,  there  would  be  more  humility,  more 
charity,  more  love,  more  forbearance  one 
towards  another  and  thus  feeling  the  love  of 
God  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  there  would  be  more  prosperity,  more 
joy  and  rejoicing  in  the  camp,  more  breaking 
of  bread  from  house  to  house — heavenly 
bread — by  which  our  souls  would  be  nourished, 
and  more  eating  of  our  meat  with  glad- 
ness and  singleness  of  heart.  Did  we  all  ear- 
nestly seek  for  this,and  to  be  baptised  by  the 
one  Spirit  into  the  one  body  of  which  Christ 
Jesus  is  the  head,  there  might  still  be  added 
to  the  church  daily,  such  as  should  be  saved. 

"  ....  I  think  it  was  well  that  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings  issued  the  minute  in 
regard  to  missionary  work.  .  I  believe  it  is 
right  for  the  Church  to  pursue  a  straightfor- 
ward course  whether  all  will  hear  or  not. 
'Watchman,  what  of  the  night?'  It  seems 


ELWOOD  DEAN  57 

necessary  for  the  Church  to  give  warning  of 
the  approach  of  danger  whether  the  people 
will  hear  or  forbear.  Our  eyes  should  not  be 
closed  to  the  dangers  that  surround  us.  ... 
Elwood  Dean." 

From  Barclay  Stratton  to  Elwood  Dean. 

"Barnesville,  Ohio,  4th  Mo.  2nd,  1886.— I 
should  hardly  intrude  myself  on  thee  in  this 
way  just  now,  had  not  my  wife  volunteered 
her  advice  to  me  to  write  thee  and  tell  thee 
to  come  this  way  and  stop  awhile  with  us. 
Now,  although  thou  certainly  knows  thy  own 
business  best,  and  we  should  all  feel  to  com- 
mend and  recommend  thee  to  the  unerring 
Guide  in  all  thy  movements,  yet  is  it  not 
allowable  to  feel  and  to  sympathize  in  so  good 
a  work,  and  even,  shall  I  say,  to  mingle  per- 
sonally together,  thus  strengthening  and  be- 
ing strengthened,  each  to  journey  forward  in 
the  work  before  us,  whether  it  be  in  active 
service  or  in  patient  endurance.  While  we 
heard  with  satisfaction  of  thy  prospect  to  at- 
tend Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting,  we  were 
glad  that  coupled  with  it,  was  a  concern  also 
to  visit  our  own  flock.  Weak  as  we  are  indi- 
vidually, and  consequently  collectively  as  an 
organization  or  Yearly  Meeting,  we  occupy  a 
most  important  position  in  the  ranks  of  those 
who  are  especially  called  to  raise  and  support 
a  standard  for  the  truth,  the  unchanging 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  as  professed  by  all 
true  Friends. 


58  ELWOOD  DEAN 

"The  strange  confession  of  'Non-Belief 
published  by  the  'Select  Meeting'  of  the  Binns 
body  has  awakened  an  honest  enquiry, 
which  together  with  departures  in  the  same 
direction,  throughout  the  Society,  more  or  less 
apparrent,  has  raised  in  many  a  curiosity,  and 
I  trust  in  a  goodly  number  (what  if  seven 
thousand)  a  concern  to  know  where  we  are, 
where  the  old  Yearly  Meeting  now  stands  as 
regards  its  support  of  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  the  gospel,  and  of  the  precious  testi- 
monies inseparable  therefrom.  The  eyes,  there- 
fore, not  only  of  organized  bodies,  but  of  indi- 
viduals throughout  the  Society,  are  now  fixed 
upon  us.  Therefore,  not  only  for  our  own 
sakes,  but  that  we  may  not  be  a  stumbling 
block  to  others,  we  are  loudly  called  upon  at 
this  time  to  show  to  those  around,  even  the 
curious  multitude,  what  is  our  faith  by  our 
works.  I  feel  that  language  is  feeble  to  ex- 
press the  concern  we  should  feel,  to  be  found 
inquiring  for  the  'Old  paths'  and  concerned 
to  walk  therein.  That,  amidst  weak- 
nesses, there  remains  a  goodly  number  of 
such,  I  cannot  but  hope,  and  that  they  may  be 
strengthened  is  my  sincere  desire.  *  *  *  * 
My  dear  wife  joins  in  love,  Barclay  Stratton." 

In  the  spring  of  1886,  having  been  liberated 
to  attend  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  and 
some  of  the  meetings  belonging  thereto,  also 
some  meetings  within  the  limits  of  Ohio  Year- 
ly Meeting,  and  appoint  some  meetings 
amongst  those  not  members  of  our  Society,  he, 


ELWOOD  DEAN  59 

accompanied  by  his  wife,  was  in  attendance  at 
the  opening  session,  of  which  he  writes: 

"Second  day  morning  the  Yearly  Meeting- 
for  business  commenced.  It  was  an  interesting 
and  instructive  occasion.  The  minutes  of  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings  were  read  and  much 
unity  was  expressed  with  its  proceedings.  A 
few  objected  to  the  minute  of  advice  on  mis- 
sion work  wishing  Friends  left  at  liberty,  but 
the  large  body  of  the  meeting  stood  firm  and 
united  on  the  ancient  ground,  many  of  the 
younger  part  uniting  with  their  elder  brethren 
in  support  of  the  ancient  testimony,  which  was 
comforting  to  witness. 

"On  Sixth  day,  the  23rd,  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing closed,  and  I  was  reminded  of  the  language 
of  George  Fox,  where  he  said,  'Let  all  your 
men's  and  women's  meetings  be  held  in  the 
power  of  the  Lord,  for  the  power  of  the  Lord 
God  is  the  authority  for  all  your  men's  and 
women's  meetings.'  I  believe  this  was  the 
concern  of  many  Friends,  and  it  felt  to  me  that 
the  overshadowing  and  solemnizing  presence 
of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  was  vouch- 
safed from  sitting  to  sitting,  even  to  the  close 
which  was  a  great  mercy  and  cause  for  humble 
and  heartfelt  gratitude  for  His  goodness  and 
merciful  kindness  to  the  children  of  men. 

"5th  Mo.  24th :— Attended  North  Meeting 
in  the  city,  it  being  the  day  of  their  Monthly 
Meeting.  Was  silent  in  the  meeting  for  wor- 
ship, but  had  a  relieving  testimony  in  the  busi- 
ness meeting,  to  the  tenderly  visited  ones,  who 


60 ELWOOD  DEAN 

might  apprehend  themselves  called  to  the  min- 
istry, to  be  very  careful  to  attend  to  their  open- 
ings, neither  to  go  before  their  Guide  nor  to  lag 
behind  lest  they  lose  their  way,  but  through 
faithfulness  they  might  be  preserved  in  the 
current  of  life  and  keep  in  the  unity  of  the 
Spirit  to  the  edification  of  the  body  and  com- 
fort of  their  own  souls. 

"6th  Mo.  11,  1886:  This  is  my  birthday 
and  completes  my  seventieth  year.  Three 
score  and  ten!  The  time  appointed  unto  men. 
Goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  all  the 
days  of  my  life.  Oh  that  I  might  'Praise  the 
Lord  for  His  goodness,  and  for  His  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men!  For  He  satis- 
fieth  the  longing  soul,  and  filleth  the  hungry 
soul  with  goodness.' 

"7th  Mo.  2nd:     Attended meeting. 

Many  meetings  are  small,  but  the  merciful 
kindness  of  our  heavenly  Father  is  still  mani- 
fested in  vouchsafing  His  holy  presence,  and 
He  is  still  wait  ing  to  be  gracious  unto  all,  call- 
ing unto  more  faithfulness  and  dedication  unto 
Him.  If  all  who  were  called  were  faithful  to 
the  call,  there  would  be  judges  raised  up  as  at 
the  first  and  counsellors  as  at  the  beginning. 
There  would  be  standard  bearers  for  the  truth, 
and  a  gathering  to  the  true  fold.  Many  would 
flock  to  the  banner  displayed  for  the  truth,  as 
doves  to  the  windows;  but  'The  cares  of  this 
world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches  and  the 
lust  of  other  things  entering  in,  choke  the 


ELWOOD  DEAN 


word,  and  it  becometh  unfruitful'  in  many  — 
in  very  many,  so  that  the  ways  of  Zion  mourn, 
because  so  few  come  to  her  solemn  feasts.  So 
few  are  gathered  into  the  fold  of  rest  and  peace 
under  the  government  and  guidance  of  the 
good  Shepherd,  who  said,  'I  know  my  sheep 
and  am  known  of  mine.  They  know  my  voice 
and  follow  me,  and  a  stranger  will  they  not 
follow,  but  will  flee  from  him  for  they  know 
not  the  voice  of  strangers.' 

"7th  Mo.  16th  :  Divers  Friends  came  in  to 
bid  us  farewell.  Way  opened  for  a  comfor- 
table parting  season,  the  language  presenting, 
'Be  still  and  know  that  I  am  God.'  More  fol- 
lowed, and  our  hearts  were  solemnized  to- 
gether. We  had  a  sweet  and  solmen  parting 
with  the  family  in  the  morning,  some  others 
coming  in  besides  J.  E.'s  family  at  reading 
time.  Exhortation  and  supplication  closed  the 
opportunity. 

"Arrived  at  the  home  of  B.  L.'s  in  the 
evening,  lodged  there  and  on  the  18th  sat  down 
with  them  and  a  number  of  neighbors  who 
came  in  to  sit  with  us  at  their  usual  meeting. 
And  He  who  had  promised  to  be  with  the  two 
or  three  who  were  met  in  His  name,  deigned 
to  be  present  with  us,  and  we  were  comforted 
together  and  testimony  was  borne  to  His  un- 
failing goodness  and  mercies,  to  those  who  de- 
sire to  worship  Him  in  humilty  and  Godly  fear. 
Thanksgiving  and  praise  be  unto  Him  who  sit- 
teth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb,  who 


62 ELWOOD  DEAN 

are  worthy  forever  and  forever,  amen. 

"Came  to  Salem,  Ohio,  on  the  19th,  and 
visited  the  meetings  composing  that  Quarter, 
many  of  the  sittings  being  times  of  favor.  Vis- 
ited our  old  home  at  Augusta.  Went  into  all 
the  different  rooms  of  the  house  we  used  to  oc- 
cupy. It  was  uninhabited  and  looked  desolate. 
I  walked  over  the  farm,  and  it  brought  to  my 
remembrance  the  days  of  my  childhood  and 
youth,  and  the  many  happy  days  spent  there 
when  the  family  was  unbroken,  but  tears  were 
ready  to  flow  when  I  was  afresh  reminded  that 
so  many  loved  ones  had  gone  to  that  place 
whence  no  traveler  returns. 

'8th  Mo.  23rd:  We  arrived  at  home  in 
time  for  our  Monthly  Meeting.  I  returned  my 
minute  with  the  information  that  I  had  ac- 
complished the  service  for  which  I  was  liber- 
ated to  the  peace  and  relief  of  my  own  mind, 
so  far  as  way  opened  at  the  present  time.  At 
home,  sweet  home  once  more,  and  our  hearts 
are  filled  with  thankfulness,  for  the  kindness  of 
our  dear  friends  wherever  we  came,  or  where- 
ever  our  lot  was  cast,  and  above  all  for  the  mer- 
ciful kindness  of  our  heavenly  Father  whose 
tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works." 

This  was  the  last  trip  that  Elizabeth  Dean 
made  with  her  beloved  husband,  with  whom 
she  was  closely  united  in  Christian  fellowship. 
The  infirmities  of  age  made  rapid  progress,  and 
in  the  Third  Month,  1887,  her  helpful  and  devot- 


ELWOOD  DEAN  63 

ed  spirit  was  released  from  its  earthly  taberna- 
cle to  join,  we  reverently  trust,  with  the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect,  in  celebrating  the 
name  of  Him  whom  it  was  her  desire  to  serve. 

Under  date  of  4th  Mo.  6th,  1887,  Elwood 
writes  to  his  friend  J.  W. 

"Chesterhill,  Ohio.  Dear  Friend: — I  re- 
ceived thy  kind  and  sympathizing  letters  a  few 
days  since,  which  I  must  appreciate,  as  I  felt 
and  do  feel  the  separation  and  bereavement 
much.  We  have  lived  together  in  much  har- 
mony for  nearly  fifty  years — the  30th 
of  next  Eleventh  Month  would  have  completed 
that  term.  But  the  hope  and  belief  that  her 
work  was  accomplished  and  her  peace  made, 
brings  me  to  where  I  desire  to  feel  resignation 
and  could  not  wish  her  again  to  have  to  en- 
counter the  trials,  the  conflicts  and  tribulations 
of  this  probationary  state,  believing  that  my 
great  loss  is  her  eternal  gain.  And  Oh,  for 
preservation  the  few  remaining  days  allotted 
me  here  on  earth!  .My  pilgrimage  must  be 
well  nigh  ended.  A  few  more  years  at  most 
must  close  the  scene,  and  if  I  am  saved,  it  will 
be  all  of  mercy  and  no  merit  of  mine.  The 
dear  departed  one  was  an  excellent  counsellor, 
a  loving  and  sympathizing  friend  and  cheerful 
companion,  a  great  comfort  and  true  helpmeet 
to  me.  I  believe  I  might  adopt  the  language  of 
Job,  'The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.'  She 
was  a  firm  believer  in  the  doctrines  and  testi- 


64  ELWOOD  DEAN 

monies  held  by  faithful  Friends  from  the  be- 
ginning, and  earnestly  desired  their  support, 
believing  it  was  simply  primative  Christianity 
revived.  With  love  to  thee  and  thy  dear  wife, 
E.  D." 

Letter  from  P.  W.  R. 

"Elwood  Dean,  Dear  Friend:  We  have 
been  introduced  into  near  and  tender  sympa- 
thy with  thee,  hearing  of  the  removal  by  death 
of  thy  beloved  companion.  We  have  heard 
but  little  of  the  particulars.  Glad  to  hear  that 
thee  was  at  home,  and  I  thought  of  Daniel 
Wheeler  and  what  he  said  in  a  letter  to  his 
children  when  his  dear  wife  was  taken  to  her 
eternal  rest:  'The  beloved  and  precious  part- 
ner of  all  my  joys  and  sorrows  has  passed  not 
from  life  to  death  but  from  death  unto  life 
eternal.'  And  I  trust,  dear  friend,  thou  can 
adopt  a  similar  language  and  that  the  ever- 
lasting Arms  of  love  and  mercy  are  underneath 
for  thy  support,  and  will  enable  thee  to  finish 
the  work  thou  mayest  yet  have  to  do,  and  when 
a  few  more  conflicts  are  endured  will  gather 
thee  also  into  His  kingdom  of  rest  and  peace 
where  we  believe  she  has  been  safely  gathered 
as  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe  for  the  heavenly 
garner.  *  *  *  *" 

From  Elwood  Dean  to  J.  S.  E. 

"9th  Mo.  4th,  1887.  Dear  Friend:  I  re- 
ceived thy  kind  and  welcome  letter  in  due  time, 
enquiring  after  my  welfare,  etc.,  and  it  should 


ELWOOD  DEAN  65 

have  been  answered  long  ere  this,  but  my 
apology  must  be — inability,  (so  little  of  inter- 
est) to  write,  often  feeling  very  poor,  and  un- 
worthy of  the  least  of  the  Lord's  mercies,  and 
my  health  poor,  often  feeble  and  discouraged, 
feeling  lonely  and  bereft  of  my  greatest  earthly 
stay  and  comfort.  Yet  I  do  not  wish  to  mur- 
mur nor  complain,  for  I  am  blessed  with  far 
more  than  I  am  worthy  of.  Yet  that  lonely 
feeling,  and  my  great  loss  and  bereavement 
often  comes  over  me  with  almost  overwhelming 
force,  yet  not  so  but  that  I  am  at  times  favored 
to  feel  that  the  Lord's  mercies  are  over  all  His 
works,  and  that  'He  doth  not  afflict  willingly, 
nor  grieve  the  children  of  men.'  And  the  com- 
forting presence  of  His  love  is  at  times  felt  to 
renew  the  spiritual  strength,  faith,  hope  and 
courage  to  press  forward  toward  the  mark, 
still  hoping,  though  mercy,  to  be  enabled  to 
obtain  the  prize  in  the  end.  What  would  be- 
come of  such  poor  mortals  if  it  were  not  for 
our  strength  and  faith  being  renewed  from  time 
to  time,  by  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost?  We  would  indeed 
sink  into  despondency  if  it  were  not  that  His 
mercies  are  renewed  from  season  to  season, 
with  the  evidence  of  forgiveness  and  accept- 
ance.. This,  with  His  love  flowing  toward 
Southland  enabled  me  to  propose  holding  a 
meeting  there  recently,  for  the  few  Friends 
there,  with  an  invitation  to  those  not  members. 
It  was  well  attended  and  proved  a  satisfactory 
and  relieving  opportunity  to  my  mind.  That 


66 ELWOOD  DEAN 

is  the  only  public  meeting  I  have  held  this 
summer,  but  have  frequently  had  a  word  for 
other  meetings  of  our  Quarter,  but  have  felt 
excused  from  going  much  abroad. 

"I  have  often  remembered  your  affection- 
ate kindness  to  my  dear  departed  companion 
and  my  self,  when  sojourning  amongst  you. 
His  'loving  kindness  is  better  than  life,'  and 
may  He  reward  you  with  His  love  and  protect- 
ing care,  and  preserve  our  souls  alive  in  time 
of  famine,  spiritual  famine,  when  we  feel  to  be 
poor  and  needy,  our  souls  ready  to  faint  by  the 
way.  Then  let  us  remember  His  precious 
promise:  'When  the  poor  and  needy  seek 
water,  and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  fail- 
eth  for  thirst,  I  the  Lord  will  hear  them,  I  the 
God  of  Israel  will  not  forsake  them.  I  will  open 
rivers  in  high  places  and  fountains  in  the  midst 
of  the  valleys:  I  will  make  the  wilderness  a 
pool  of  water,  and  the  dry  land  springs  of 
water.'  These  things  will  He  do  for  his  hum- 
ble, dependent  children,  and  those  who  feel  that 
they  have  none  in  heaven  but  Him,  and  none 
in  the  earth  that  they  desire  in  comparison  with 
Him.  He  will  never  leave  nor  forsake  these, 
but  will  keep  them  as  the  apple  of  His  eye, 
feed  them  with  the  bread  of  life,  guide  and 
protect  them  even  unto  the  end,  and  crown 
them  with  eternal  life.  Elwood  Dean." 

"4th  Mo.  18th.  Joseph  Walton,  Dear 
Friend :  I  have  been  expecting  to  write  to  thee 
all  winter,  but  other  things  have  intervened 


ELWOOD  DEAN  67 

and  crowded  it  out  until  now.  I  have  done  but 
very  little  writing,  and  have  spent  most  of  the 
time  at  home.  I  took  a  journey  to  the  meetings 
of  Salem  and  Stillwater  Quarters,  and  appoint- 
ed one  meeting  a  few  miles  south  of  Chester- 
field, among  those  not  of  our  Society,  all  of 
which  was  attended  with  the  reward  of  peace. 
I  felt  richly  rewarded  for  what  seemed  like  an 
evening  sacrifice.  I  have  missed  my  dear 
companion  more  than  words  can  tell.  My 
heart  so  fully  trusted  in  her,  when  she  was  re- 
moved it  seemed  almost  as  though  the  staff  and 
stay  of  my  life  were  gone  from  me.  But  no 
doubt  all  was  done  in  best  wisdom,  and  for  a 
wise  purpose.  *  *  *  * 

He  was  surrounded  by  kind  relatives  and 
friends  who  offered  him  a  home,  but  the  ties 
that  bound  him  to  his  own  were  strong,  and  he 
says,  "I  have  felt  so  much  of  a  desire  to  oc- 
cupy my  own  dear  little  home  that  I  have  made 
arrangements  to  go  to  housekeping  after 
Yearly  Meeting.  Brother  B's  widow,  Ann 
Dean,  will  come  and  take  the  management,  if 
all  is  well."  She  proved  to  be  a  helpful  com- 
panion to  him,  trying  to  animate  and  enliven 
his  lonely  life.  His  health  became  more  feeble 
and  he  was  not  much  from  home  in  religious 
service,  though  his  communications  in  his  own 
meeting  were  lively  and  acceptable 

Ann  Dean  writes :  "5th  Mo.  6th,  1888. 
Brother  Elwood's  health  is  somewhat  im- 
proved since  the  weather  has  become  more 


68 ELWOOD  DEAN 

settled,  though  he  frequently  has  dizzy  spells, 
more  especially  when  he  undertakes  to  write, 
which  is  the  main  cause  of  his  not  answering 
his  letters  more  promptly,  but  it  is  a  great 
pleasure  to  him  to  receive  letters  from  his 
friends:  so  write  often  if  they  do  not  get  an- 
swered promptly." 

In  the  Eighth  Month  of  1888  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Edna  Peebles,  whose  loving  and  tender 
care  of  him  was  much  appreciated,  and  very 
consoling  to  him  during  the  last  two  years  of 
his  life.  In  speaking  of  her  in  a  letter  dated 
4th  Month  1st,  1889,  he  says,  "My  dear  com- 
panion is  very  affectionate  and  sympathizing, 
and  is  a  great  comfort  to  me,  doing  all  that  a 
loving  companion  can  for  my  relief  and  com- 
fort in  this  time  of  affliction." 

In  the  Second  Month,  1889,  he  was  stricken 
with  paralysis,  losing  almost  entirely  the  use 
of  his  left  side.  He  bore  his  affliction  with 
Christian  patience,  expressing  a  feeling  that  he 
had  done  but  little  to  advance  that  cause  which 
was  nearest  his  heart,  viz.,  "That  cause  which 
is  dignified  by  immortality  and  crowned  with 
eternal  life."  He  said  at  one  time  that  his  life 
had  been  to  little  purpose,  expressing  the 
thought  that  he  might  yet  become  a  castaway, 
that  we  have  no  power  of  ourselves  to  appro- 
priate the  promises  unless  they  are  opened  to  us 
thus  relying  entirely  on  the  mercies  of  a  cruci- 
fied, risen  and  glorified  Lord. 


ELWOOD  DEAN  69 

His  disease  gradually  increasing,  weak- 
ened the  body,  but  we  reverently  believe  the 
Everlasting  Arms  were  underneath,  sustain- 
ing his  exercised  spirit,  which  was  released 
from  its  tenement  of  clay  on  the  6th  of  Sev- 
enth Month,  1890,  to  join  the  "spirits  of  just 
men  made  perfect,"  leaving  to  his  friends  the 
earnest  legacy,  "Follow  me  as  I  have  endeav- 
ored to  follow  Christ." 


TESTIMONY  OF    ROBERT    MILHOUSE 
CONCERNING  ELWOOD  DEAN. 

I  was  intimately  acquainted  with  Elwood 
Dean,  we  being  members  of  the  same  Quarterly 
Meeting.  I  may  say  I  loved  him  and  believe 
he  was  truly  a  humble  follower  of  his  Divine 
Master.  It  was  his  lot  to  travel  much  from 
home  in  the  service  of  the  ministry,  and  I  be- 
lieve he  was  careful  on  all  occasions  to  wait 
for  the  fresh  anointing  from  on  High,  which 
is  the  source  of  all  true  gospel  ministry.  In 
the  latter  years  of  his  useful  life  he  was  de- 
prived of  the  privilege  for  a  considerable 
length  of  time  by  a  disorder  of  a  paralytic  na- 
ture, of  assembling  with  his  Friends  in  a  meet- 
ing capacity,  a  privilege  he  highly  prized  when 
of  ability  to  do  so. 

Through  his  last  illness  he  was  often  much 
tried  with  feelings  of  desertion  and  poverty  of 
spirit,  feeling  at  seasons  as  though  the  Divine 
favor  was  withdrawn  from  him,  which  seemed 


70  ELWOOD  DEAN 

for  a  length  of  time  to  prevail.  I  was  frequently 
with  him  through  his  afflictions  and  I  believe 
there  remained  through  all  a  precious  evidence 
to  the  contrary,  and  that  he  was  under  the  im- 
mediate care  and  protection  of  Isreal's  un- 
slumbering  Shepherd  whose  favor  remained  un- 
broken. Through  all  his  trials  and  deep  prov- 
ings  his  interest  in  the  welfare  and  prosperity 
of  our  beloved  Society  seemed  unabated,  as  he 
frequently  expressed  to  me  when  in  his  com- 
pany. 

I  had  not  the  opportunity  of  being  present 
with  him  in  his  last  moments,  but  the  testi- 
mony I  have  received  is  that  he  passed  away 
very  quietly,  and  we  believe  peacefully,  and 
has  been  gathered,  as  we  humbly  trust,  as  a 
shock  of  corn  in  its  season  into  the  heavenly 
garner.  "Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the 
Lord  from  henceforth;  yea,  sayeth  the  spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors ;  and  their 
works  do  follow  them."  I  attended  his  fu- 
neral which  was  a  solemn  and  instructive  sea- 
son, and  I  believe  was  favored  with  the  over- 
shadowing of  the  Father's  love,  bearing  evi- 
dence, we  humbly  believe,  that  all  is  well  with 
the  dear  departed.  I  was  much  comforted  in 
witnessing  the  plainness  and  simplicity  of  the 
coffin  and  all  appertaining  thereto. 

Since  our  dear  friend  has  been  taken  from 
us,  although  I  do  not  presume  to  undertake 
to  fathom  the  works  of  infinite  Wisdom,  this 
solemn  impression  seem  to  rest  upon  my  mind : 


ELWOOD  DEAN  71 

That  we  may  accept  the  suffering  he  passed 
through  and  the  seeming  desertion,  as  an  ex- 
ample to  show  us  all  that  we  truly  have  noth- 
ing to  glory  in,  except  it  be  our  infirmities; 
and  that  however  favored  we  may  have  been 
through  our  pilgrimage,  it  is  all  of  the  mercies 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  my  desire  is  that 
this  feeling  may  more  and  more  prevail 
throughout  the  whole  heritage  of  the  Lord,  for 
all  good  emanates  from  Him. 

ROBERT  MILHOUSE. 
Pennsville,  Morgan  Co.,  Ohio. 


UUSB   LIBRARY 
/- 


